Could Myofunctional Therapy Be the Answer to Your Jaw Pain?
If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re looking for help with jaw pain or TMJD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction). Maybe you’ve already tried a mouthguard or injections, but you still aren’t finding the relief you’re desperately searching for. You may have even come across some tips or quick fixes on TikTok or Instagram and wondered if they could be the golden ticket.
In this post, we’ll explore myofunctional therapy—and how it might finally provide some of the answers you’ve been looking for.
What Is Myofunctional Therapy?
If this is the first time you’ve heard of myofunctional therapy, you’re probably wondering: what the heck is it? Sometimes it’s called:
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy
Orofacial Myology
Oral Myofunctional Therapy
Tongue Thrust Therapy
While the terminology can vary, the goal is the same. For simplicity, I’ll refer to it here as myofunctional therapy.
The name may sound intimidating, but if you break it down it’s quite simple:
“Myo” means muscle, and “functional” means function—so it’s an approach that focuses on improving the function of the muscles in the face, mouth, and jaw.
Myofunctional therapy aims to improve how you chew, swallow, speak, and breathe. Think of it as physical therapy for the muscles you use to eat, speak, and breathe.
It helps correct habits like:
Mouth breathing
Low tongue posture
Improper swallowing patterns
Clenching or grinding your teeth
Poor lip seal
Who Can Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy?
More and more, myofunctional therapy is being introduced to children, because many of these muscle patterns and habits begin in early life. Left untreated, they can contribute to serious health issues in adulthood, including TMJD, sleep apnea, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and orthodontic relapse.
For Children:
Your child may benefit if they:
Are chronic mouth breathers
Clench or grind their teeth at night
Have or had a tongue or lip tie
Wake up tired, wet the bed, or snore
Struggle with messy eating or are picky about textures
Are headed for orthodontic treatment
The earlier we address these habits, the more positive impact we can have on facial development, palate growth, and airway health—helping set your child up for a healthier future.
For Teenagers:
Myofunctional therapy may help teens who:
Still breathe through their mouth
Struggle with headaches or jaw tension
Clench or grind their teeth during sleep
Experience daytime sleepiness
Are undergoing orthodontic treatment
For Adults:
You may be wondering: “Is it too late for me?”
The answer: Absolutely not. It’s never too late. Many adults experience life-changing benefits from Myofunctional Therapy.
You may benefit if you:
Are a chronic mouth breather
Clench or grind your teeth at night
Snore, struggle with sleep, or wake frequently
Experience jaw pain, headaches, or migraines
Have tension in your jaw, neck, and shoulders
Had orthodontic treatment in the past but noticed your teeth shifting back
How Does Myofunctional Therapy Work?
Again, think of myofunctional therapy like physical therapy—for the muscles that help you chew, swallow, speak, and breathe. In short, we’re teaching these muscles to work smarter, not harder.
Before beginning treatment, we always start with a full assessment to understand:
How your muscles are currently functioning (both individually and as a team)
What patterns may be contributing to your symptoms
What your treatment goals are
It’s far more than just handing out a few exercises! Based on your assessment, we create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle.
Treatment plans may include:
Habit awareness
Strengthening exercises
Stretching exercises
Breathing techniques
Nervous system regulation
Functional activities
The approach is always individualized to ensure it supports your long-term success.
Myofunctional Therapy Meets Massage Therapy at TMJ Niagara
You might be wondering: “Wait… aren’t you a massage therapist? What does this have to do with massage?”
Massage therapy and Myofunctional Therapy actually complement each other beautifully.
Massage helps release tension in the jaw, neck, face, and shoulders—areas that often compensate for poor oral function or posture. It also encourages relaxation of the nervous system and promotes optimal blood flow.
Myofunctional therapy, on the other hand, works to retrain the muscles of the mouth, tongue, lips, and face, so they can function properly over time. This combination helps create sustainable improvements—not just short-term relief.
Together, these therapies can:
Decrease jaw tension and pain
Improve head and neck posture
Support better breathing and sleep
Help prevent recurring TMJ flare-ups
If you’re ready to experience a more holistic approach to jaw health, I’d love to help.
Reach out today to book a consultation—and stay tuned for more helpful tips and insights here on the blog!
About the Author
Jeannine Weddell, RMT, is a registered massage therapist with the CMTO. With a passion for holistic wellness, Jeannine is dedicated to helping clients find relief from jaw pain. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.mlniagara.janeapp.com.
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
