The word 'Services' written with colorful letters and a graphic of two hands holding a heart in the middle.
Boy with open mouth posture myofunctional therapy can help bethesda DMV

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (Orofacial Myology)

The prefix “myo” means muscle, and that’s exactly what Orofacial Myology focuses on—the muscles of the mouth, face, and airway and how they work together for speech, breathing, dentition, chewing, bolus control, and swallowing. As described by Sandra R. Holtzman, orofacial myology looks at how these muscles impact not just oral function, but overall health and wellness.

Myofunctional therapy—the treatment approach based on orofacial myology—helps retrain the oral and facial muscles to rest, breathe, chew, and swallow properly. This work is essential for children experiencing:

  • Mouth breathing

  • Tongue thrust

  • Open-mouth posture

  • Low tongue resting posture

  • Chewing and swallowing difficulties

  • Speech sound distortions related to oral posture

  • Tethered oral tissues (lip ties, tongue ties)

  • Orthodontic relapse or concerns

  • TMJ tension or oral muscle dysfunction

At KidSpeak Therapy, Amy brings advanced expertise to this highly specialized field. She completed the 28-hour intensive orofacial myology certification course through the IAOM (International Association of Orofacial Myology) in 2014—a rigorous training recognized across the U.S. She earned certification from the IAOM in 2020. She also earned the Qualified Orofacial Myologist (QOM) designation through NEO Health Services, a credential that demonstrates excellence in assessment, treatment planning, and therapeutic intervention.

In addition, Amy completed Chrysalis Orofacial’s Specialty Tethered Oral Tissues® Training, providing deep knowledge in identifying and supporting children with tongue ties, lip ties, and functional impacts related to TOTS.

At KidSpeak Therapy, myofunctional therapy is thoughtfully integrated with speech therapy, oral placement therapy, and breathing retraining to support whole-child oral-facial development. We proudly serve families in Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Potomac, Rockville, and the broader DMV, along with telepractice clients in Florida and California.

If you’re searching for myofunctional therapy, orofacial myology, or help with tethered oral tissues, KidSpeak Therapy offers evidence-based, compassionate, expert care.

Check out more Kidspeak Services