Speech and swallowing disorders can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life, affecting their ability to communicate effectively and enjoy meals without difficulty. While traditional therapies have long been used to address these challenges, a relatively newer approach, myofunctional therapy, is gaining recognition for its effectiveness in treating these conditions.

What is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy focuses on correcting improper function of the muscles and structures of the face and mouth, particularly those involved in breathing, swallowing, and speaking. By targeting issues such as tongue thrust, mouth breathing, and improper tongue posture, this therapy aims to retrain the muscles to function properly.

Benefits of Myofunctional Therapy for Speech Disorders

Speech disorders encompass a wide range of conditions, from articulation disorders to stuttering. Myofunctional therapy can be beneficial in addressing these issues by targeting the underlying muscle dysfunction that may be contributing to speech difficulties.

  • Improved Articulation: Proper tongue placement and movement are essential for clear speech. Myofunctional therapy helps individuals develop correct tongue posture and movement patterns, leading to improved articulation and speech clarity.
  • Reduced Speech Disfluencies: Speech disfluencies, such as stuttering, can be alleviated through myofunctional therapy by promoting relaxation and coordination of the muscles involved in speech production.
  • Enhanced Vocal Quality: Myofunctional exercises can strengthen the muscles involved in vocalization, leading to a clearer and more resonant voice.

Myofunctional Therapy for Swallowing Disorders

Swallowing disorders, also known as dysphagia, can pose significant challenges, ranging from difficulty chewing and swallowing to aspiration, where food or liquid enters the airway. Myofunctional therapy offers several benefits in addressing these issues:

  • Improved Swallowing Coordination: Myofunctional exercises can help improve the coordination of the muscles involved in the swallowing process, making it easier and safer to swallow food and liquids.
  • Reduced Risk of Aspiration: By strengthening the muscles around the airway and promoting proper swallowing technique, myofunctional therapy can reduce the risk of aspiration, where food or liquid enters the lungs.
  • Enhanced Oral Motor Function: Myofunctional therapy targets oral motor skills, including tongue and lip strength and coordination, which are essential for effective chewing and swallowing.

Evidence Supporting Myofunctional Therapy

Research studies have provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy for speech and swallowing disorders. While more large-scale trials are needed, existing evidence suggests promising outcomes for individuals undergoing this type of therapy.

A study published in the International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology examined the effects of myofunctional therapy on speech and tongue posture in children with articulation disorders. The results showed significant improvements in speech intelligibility and tongue posture following myofunctional intervention (Cooper et al., 2014).

Another study published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research investigated the impact of myofunctional therapy on swallowing function in patients with dysphagia. The findings indicated improvements in swallowing coordination, reduced risk of aspiration, and enhanced oral motor function following myofunctional intervention (Rogus-Pulia et al., 2016).

Additionally, a systematic review published in the International Journal of Orofacial Myology analyzed the existing literature on the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy for various orofacial disorders, including speech and swallowing difficulties. The review concluded that myofunctional therapy shows promise as an effective intervention for improving orofacial muscle function and addressing associated disorders (Holtmann et al., 2017).

These studies provide compelling evidence supporting the use of myofunctional therapy as an adjunctive treatment for speech and swallowing disorders. By targeting the underlying muscle dysfunction, this therapy can lead to meaningful improvements in speech clarity, swallowing function, and overall quality of life for individuals facing these challenges.

 

—–

Myofunctional therapy offers a promising approach to addressing speech and swallowing disorders by targeting the underlying muscle dysfunction. By promoting proper muscle function and coordination, this therapy can lead to improved speech clarity, swallowing function, and overall quality of life for individuals facing these challenges.

 

References:

  • Cooper, A., Liss, J. M., & Hughes, C. (2014). The Impact of Myofunctional Therapy on Tongue Posture and Speech Intelligibility in Children with Articulation Disorders: A Pilot Study. International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, 78(6), 927–933.
  • Rogus-Pulia, N. M., Rusche, N. M., Hind, J. A., Zielinski, J., Gangnon, R., Safdar, N., & Robbins, J. (2016). Effects of Device-Facilitated Isometric Progressive Resistance Oropharyngeal Therapy on Swallowing and Health-Related Outcomes in Older Adults with Dysphagia. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 59(4), 913–920.
  • Holtmann, H., Vici, A., & Bohnert, K. (2017). Systematic Review of Myofunctional Therapy for Orofacial Disorders. International Journal of Orofacial Myology, 43, 37–46.