The typical Orofacial Myology patient is…?

Simply, there is none!
‘Typical’ is used to categorise something or someone, and in my world, each of us is unique!  How good is that!? Very rarely does someone ‘have it all together’ (do they really? 😉) and the wise person seeks help to improve the circumstances for ourselves or our families.
From an orofacial myology perspective, this might mean any or all the following:

• helping to break poor and detrimental habits (habit cessation),
• re-educating muscles to function more efficiently;
• retraining breathing patterns;
• strengthening facial muscles, including the tongue;
• retraining chewing, swallowing and breathing patterns.

This year clients seeking help and advice for the Townsville Orofacial Myology Clinic ranged in ages from 9mths to 60+ years of age. There was nothing typical about their concerns, and all had variations in their presentations. For some myofucntional therapy was the start of their journey, for others the middle and for some the final stage.
Habits have been broken, incorrect muscle function has been addressed, and we have worked alongside specialists, general dental practitioners and other allied health practitioners to guide and direct these clients towards their improved health status!  Sleep improvement, swallowing eased, improved breathing, better aerobic capacity, less jaw pain and improved changes to their occlusion (bite) have been reported. These are lifelong health benefits. I love seeing the lights go on when the old habits are broken and new muscle function is mastered (and becomes automatic) and they just,  well,  ‘feel better’!
It’s incredibly rewarding to be involved with these clients and their families! There was no ‘typical client’ amongst them, and there never will be. 😊