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Myofunctional Therapy

Myofunctional Therapy

Orofacial myology is “the study and treatment of oral and facial muscles as they relate to speech, dentition, chewing/bolus collection, swallowing, and overall mental and physical health” (Sandra Holtzman, Orofacial Myology: From Basics to Habituation).

*oro = mouth, facial = face, myo = muscle Orofacial myology is a specialized professional discipline that evaluates and treats a variety of oral and facial (orofacial) muscles, (myo-) postural and functional disorders and oral habits that may disrupt normal dental development and also create cosmetic problems.

A Speech-Language Pathologist assesses the structures and the way the lip, cheeks, teeth, jaws and tongue move. This is done by watching the child/adult speak, control secretions, looking at mouth posture and movements, breathing and also watching how he/she swallows foods and liquids. A primary goal of orofacial myofunctional therapy is to create, recapture or stabilize a normal resting relationship between the tongue, lips, teeth, and jaw. Achieving a lips-together rest posture is another goal of orofacial myofunctional therapy.

 

A Tongue Thrust Swallow may be retained due to:

• Thumb or finger sucking
• Sucking clothing or hair
• Mouthing objects (for adults this may be chewing pens)
• Nail biting or chewing lips and cheeks
• Large tonsils or adenoids
• Allergies and nasal congestion
• Tongue tie (restrictive lingual frenum)
• Early loss of teeth
• Dyspraxia/Apraxia
• Sensory processing difficulties

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Lutz

17718 Hunting Bow Circle
Lutz, FL 33558

New Tampa

2241 Green Hedges Way
Wesley Chapel, FL 33544

Contact Info

p. 813-973-1033
f. 844-495-7168

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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are a few questions that we've gotten over the past 10+ years of empowering kids to bloom and succeed through therapy.  For a full list of FAQ, click here.

What happens during our first visit?
Please plan to arrive 10 minutes early for your first appointment. You may download forms online, under "Resources" on the homepage of this website or by clicking here. These forms are password protected, so you will need to contact the office to obtain access. Your therapist will come out to greet you in the waiting room. Your child will be asked to remove his/her shoes, and he/she may choose a pair of socks to wear throughout their visit. This is to keep a healthy, clean environment for everyone and for the safety of the mats in the gym (yes, even the parents please!). Your therapist will then ask background questions and establish rapport in a playful manner. Your child will be put at ease immediately--this is a comfortable, fun, and playful place to be!
Will my insurance cover an evaluation and/or therapy?
Most often, insurance will cover at least a portion, if not all of an evaluation. Coverage for therapy services will depend on the individual insurance plan, and it is often determined by medical necessity. It is each family's responsibility to verify insurance benefits prior to receiving services. We will take a copy of your insurance card to verify your benefits; however, it is ultimately the family's responsibility to research as well.
How long will my child need therapy?
Typically, a treatment plan is established over 6-month increments. Your child will have his/her initial evaluation completed with treatment goals established to be achieved within a 6-month period. Sometimes therapy can extend for longer periods of time depending on progress, diagnosis, and severity of the disorder. Individual treatment plans are established, and parents play an integral role in treatment planning. You can expect that your child will participate in a re-evaluation every 6-9 months to determine if therapy goals need to be revised and to monitor progress. Your insurance may require more frequent documentation, in which case, it is your responsibility to notify your therapist what is required.
What insurance plans do you currently accept?

We are currently in-network for Advent Health, Aetna, Aetna Better Health, Allied, BCBS, CHAMPVA, Cigna, CMS, Coventry, Health First Health Plan, Humana, Meritain, Molina, Multiplan, Simply Health, Staywell, Straight Medicaid, Sunshine, Sunshine Healthy Kids, Tricare Select and Prime, UHC, and UMR.   Although we are out of network with some insurance companies at this time, you may still be eligible for coverage depending on your plan. In addition, being in-network does not always guarantee coverage for disorders that are developmental in nature. Please call the office to discuss your options.