Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional therapy treatment in Pocatello at Pelvic Rehab

Myofunctional therapy focuses on improving the function of the muscles of the mouth, tongue, face, and airway.

These muscles play an important role in breathing, swallowing, chewing, speech, sleep, and overall development. When they are not working in a coordinated way, it can contribute to mouth breathing, jaw tension, sleep concerns, and other whole-body symptoms.

At Pelvic Rehab, we take a whole-body approach to myofunctional therapy. We recognize that breathing, posture, nervous system regulation, and muscle coordination are deeply connected. Supporting these patterns can improve comfort, sleep, focus, and long-term health for both children and adults.

Myofunctional therapy is often helpful for individuals who have been told they mouth breathe, snore, struggle with tongue posture, or experience tension in the jaw, face, or neck.

How does Myofunctional Therapy work?

Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and face to function in a more coordinated and efficient way.

Healthy breathing patterns begin with proper tongue position and nasal breathing. When these patterns are disrupted—whether from habit, airway restriction, tongue tie, or muscle weakness—the body may compensate in ways that affect posture, sleep, jaw function, and nervous system regulation.

Treatment typically includes:

  • Gentle exercises to improve tongue strength and coordination
  • Training for proper tongue resting posture
  • Support for nasal breathing patterns
  • Exercises to improve swallowing function
  • Guidance for posture and breathing awareness
  • Collaboration with dentists, orthodontists, or other providers when needed

This work is gradual and individualized. Small, consistent changes over time can create meaningful improvements in function and comfort.

What can this technique help with?

Myofunctional therapy can support a wide range of symptoms and concerns, including:

  • Mouth breathing
  • Snoring
  • Poor sleep quality
  • Tongue tie concerns
  • Jaw tension or TMJ symptoms
  • Teeth grinding (bruxism)
  • Open mouth posture
  • Difficulty keeping lips closed
  • Swallowing difficulties
  • Speech concerns related to oral muscle function
  • Chronic neck or facial tension
  • Forward head posture
  • Pediatric airway concerns
  • Habitual thumb sucking or oral habits

This approach is often helpful for both children and adults who want to improve breathing patterns, jaw comfort, or overall muscle coordination.

What should I expect during a Myofunctional Therapy session?

Myofunctional therapy sessions are interactive and educational. Treatment typically involves gentle exercises, movement practice, and learning new patterns that support healthy muscle function.

Sessions may include:

  • Assessment of breathing patterns
  • Evaluation of tongue posture and function
  • Exercises to improve muscle strength and coordination
  • Practice of nasal breathing
  • Guidance for daily home exercises
  • Education for parents when working with children

Consistency is important, and progress typically occurs through small daily practice combined with guided therapy sessions.

Many patients notice improvements in breathing awareness, sleep quality, jaw comfort, and posture over time.

Why we use this therapy?

At Pelvic Rehab Pocatello, we believe the body functions best when breathing, posture, and muscle coordination work together.

Myofunctional therapy supports foundational patterns that influence the entire body—not just the mouth or jaw. Improving these patterns can support better sleep, improved posture, reduced tension, and more efficient breathing.

This therapy is often used alongside manual therapy and movement-based treatment to support long-term functional changes.

We value collaboration and frequently coordinate care with dentists, orthodontists, and other healthcare providers when appropriate.

Ready to explore whether Myofunctional Therapy is right for you?

If you or your child experience mouth breathing, snoring, jaw tension, bedwetting, or concerns related to tongue posture or swallowing, myofunctional therapy may be a helpful next step. Learn more here.

Call or text us at (208)244-0267 to schedule an appointment or ask questions about whether this approach may be right for you.