Our Services

At Myofunctional Pathways LLC, we believe in treating the root causes of breathing and sleep issues. Our team of experts has developed a variety of programs to help children and adults alike achieve lasting results. We understand that this journey requires effort and commitment from our clients. That's why our team will be with you every step of the way, providing you with the necessary skills and tools to make a sustainable change in your life.

Complete Orofacial Functional Evaluation

Comprehensive Myofunctional Therapy

Sleep Coaching

Functional Breathing Program

Myofunctional Evaluaton

What Happens During a Myofunctional Therapy Evaluation?

A myofunctional therapy evaluation is a comprehensive assessment of the muscles and functions of the face, mouth, and throat. It is typically conducted by a trained registered hygienist or speech-language pathologist (SLP) who has had specialized training in myofunctional therapy. When considering your options for myofunctional therapy, it is helpful to ask them about the level of training they have received.

The evaluation typically includes the following steps:

1. Consultation and history taking:

The therapist will ask you about your medical history, current health concerns, and reasons for seeking therapy.
They will also ask about your oral habits, such as tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, and thumb sucking.

2. Oral and facial muscle examination:

The therapist will visually inspect your face, mouth, and throat, and may palpate the muscles to assess their tone and strength.
They may also ask you to perform certain movements with your lips, tongue, and jaw to evaluate their function.

3. Resting posture and tongue position assessment:

The therapist will observe your tongue posture at rest and during various activities, such as swallowing and speaking.
They will also assess the position of your lips and jaw at rest.

4. Functional assessment of swallowing, breathing, and speech:

The therapist will observe your chewing and swallowing pattern
They will also assess your breathing patterns

5. Evaluation of oral habits and behaviors:

The therapist will discuss any oral habits you have, such as tongue thrusting, mouth breathing, and thumb sucking, and how they may be affecting your lifestyle and health.

6. Development of a personalized treatment plan:

Based on the results of the evaluation, the therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan for you.
This plan may include exercises to strengthen and coordinate the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat, as well as education on how to modify oral habits.
Here are some of the tools that may be used during a myofunctional therapy evaluation:
Mirrors: The therapist may use mirrors to help you see your tongue position and facial movements.
Tongue Depressor: The therapist may use tongue blades to depress your tongue and get a better view of the oral cavity.
Rulers and Measurement Tools: The therapist may take measurements on the outside of your face and measure the movements of the tongue.
Photography: The therapist will take multiple photos and videos
The length of a myofunctional therapy evaluation can vary depending on the individual case. However, it typically lasts for 1-2 hours.

Therapy

What Happens During A Myofunctional Therapy Program?

Myofunctional therapy is a treatment program designed to address and improve the function of the muscles and structures of the face, mouth, and throat. This therapy is often used to address issues such as:

Mouth breathing: Breathing through the mouth instead of the nose can lead to a variety of problems, including dry mouth, bad breath, and sleep apnea.
Tongue thrusting: This is a habit of pushing the tongue forward against the teeth during swallowing, which can lead to dental problems, such as open bite.
Lip incompetence: This is when the lips do not close properly, which can lead to dry mouth and difficulty speaking.
Orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs): These are a group of disorders that affect the muscles and structures of the face and mouth, and can lead to a variety of problems, such as speech difficulties, TMJ disorders, and sleep apnea.

A typical myofunctional therapy session will involve the following:

Warm-up exercises: These exercises help to prepare the muscles and tissues for the more challenging exercises that will follow.
Muscle strengthening and coordination exercises: These exercises are designed to strengthen the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat, and to improve their coordination.
Education and counseling: The therapist will provide you with information about your condition and how to manage it. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as reducing stress and improving your sleep habits.
Home exercise program review and instruction: The therapist will review the exercises that you have been doing at home and provide you with feedback. They may also add new exercises or modify existing ones as needed.
Progress monitoring and evaluation: The therapist will regularly monitor your progress and make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. This may involve taking measurements of your lips, tongue, and teeth, as well as observing your swallowing and breathing patterns.

The length of a myofunctional therapy session can vary depending on the individual case. However, it typically lasts for 30-60 minutes. A full program can last from 6-8 months, based on individual circumstances.

Here are some of the benefits of myofunctional therapy:

Improved breathing
Reduced snoring and sleep apnea
Improved speech clarity
Reduced teeth grinding
Improved facial symmetry
Reduced pain and discomfort in the face, jaw, and neck
Improved oral health
Increased self-esteem

Myofunctional therapy is not a quick fix, and it may take several months to see results. However, it can be a very effective treatment for a variety of oral and facial problems.

Sleep Coaching

Our Sleep coaching program has a strong focus on the behavioral components related to sleep, beliefs about sleep, misconceptions, and lifestyle considerations. Typically, this is a 4-6 week program, based on progress.

A sleep coach can help you improve your sleep in several ways, including:

1. Identifying the root cause of your sleep problems:

Sleep coaches take a holistic approach to sleep, considering your lifestyle, habits, stress levels, and other factors that may be contributing to your problems.
They will ask you detailed questions about your sleep habits, medical history, and daily routine.
They may also use tools such as sleep diaries, sleep trackers, and questionnaires to gather more information.

2. Developing a personalized sleep plan:

Once the sleep coach has identified the root cause of your sleep problems, they will work with you to develop a personalized sleep plan.
This plan may include strategies for:
- Improving your sleep hygiene: This includes things like establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, and making your bedroom environment conducive to sleep.
- Managing stress and anxiety: Stress and anxiety can interfere with sleep, so the sleep coach may recommend relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
- Addressing underlying medical conditions: If your sleep problems are caused by an underlying medical condition, the sleep coach will work with your doctor to develop a treatment plan.
- Making lifestyle changes: The sleep coach may recommend changes to your diet, exercise routine, and caffeine and alcohol intake.

3. Providing ongoing support and guidance:

A sleep coach will provide you with ongoing support and guidance as you work to improve your sleep.
They will answer your questions, help you overcome obstacles, and track your progress.
They may also provide you with resources such as educational materials, relaxation exercises, and online communities.

Here are some specific ways a sleep coach can help you:

Fall asleep faster: Sleep coaches can teach you relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation, to help you fall asleep faster.
Sleep more soundly: Sleep coaches can help you identify and eliminate sleep disruptions, such as noise, light, and temperature fluctuations.
Wake up feeling refreshed: Sleep coaches can help you develop a regular sleep schedule and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.
Improve your overall health: Getting enough sleep is essential for good health. Sleep coaches can help you improve your sleep quality, which can lead to a number of health benefits, such as improved energy levels, increased focus, and a stronger immune system.

Breathing

Functional Breathing Program

At Myofunctional Pathways, we are proudly certified in the Buteyko Breathing Method. We offer a 6 week program which includes a consultation, 5 weeks of active breathing re-education and a complimentary 1 month follow up once your program is complete. Virtual and In-person options available.

How Buteyko Breathing Can Help Your Health

Buteyko breathing is a technique developed by Dr. Konstantin Buteyko in the 1950s. It is based on the idea that over-breathing, or chronic hyperventilation, is the root cause of many health problems. By learning to breathe slower and shallower, people can improve their health and well-being in many ways.

Benefits of Buteyko breathing:

Improved asthma symptoms: One of the most well-studied benefits of Buteyko breathing is its ability to improve asthma symptoms. Studies have shown that Buteyko breathing can reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks, as well as the need for medication.
Reduced anxiety and stress: Buteyko breathing can also help to reduce anxiety and stress. This is because breathing slowly and deeply helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's "rest and digest" response.
Improved sleep quality: Buteyko breathing can also improve sleep quality. This is because it helps to reduce stress and anxiety, which can interfere with sleep. Additionally, Buteyko breathing can help to relax the muscles and promote deeper sleep.
Increased energy levels: By improving oxygen delivery to the cells, Buteyko breathing can help to increase energy levels. This is because oxygen is essential for the production of ATP, which is the body's energy currency.
Improved athletic performance: Buteyko breathing can also improve athletic performance. This is because it helps to improve oxygen uptake and delivery to the muscles. Additionally, Buteyko breathing can help to reduce fatigue and improve recovery time.
Reduced snoring and sleep apnea: Buteyko breathing can help to reduce snoring and sleep apnea by strengthening the muscles in the throat and improving the flow of air through the nose.
Improved concentration and cognitive function: Buteyko breathing can also improve concentration and cognitive function. This is because it helps to increase oxygen delivery to the brain, which is essential for optimal cognitive function.
Improved immune system function: Buteyko breathing can also improve immune system function. This is because it helps to reduce stress, which can suppress the immune system. Additionally, Buteyko breathing can help to increase the production of white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infection.

How to learn Buteyko breathing:

There are many ways to learn Buteyko breathing. You can learn from a certified Buteyko practitioner or take a class. It is important to learn from a qualified instructor to ensure that you are learning the technique correctly.