My Myo Matters

10/10/2026

Someone has suggested myofunctional therapy.

Your next question might be: “What would that actually involve?”

Orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on the way the tongue, lips and other muscles of the mouth and face work during everyday functions and at rest.

An assessment may explore oral habits, tongue posture and swallowing patterns to understand where support could be appropriate.

At My Myo Matters, the starting point is your individual situation.

Contact Alicia to ask what an assessment involves and whether it may be a suitable next step.

08/10/2026

A look back at June, when Alicia joined colleagues and experienced practitioners at a dinner supporting IIOPE during her professional learning trip.

There is value in making time to learn, exchange ideas and ask questions beyond the everyday clinic routine.

For a small practice, these connections also offer opportunities to hear different perspectives and reflect on the care provided at home.

A little glimpse of the person, curiosity and ongoing learning behind My Myo Matters.

07/10/2026

03/10/2026

You finish work, sit down and realise your jaw feels tight.

Perhaps you have been clenching without noticing. Perhaps the discomfort keeps returning.

Jaw pain and tension can have different causes, so understanding what is happening comes before choosing the right support.

Alicia can discuss the oral muscle patterns she assesses and whether myofunctional therapy may have a role in your care.

If pain persists, speak with your dentist or GP.

01/10/2026

Watching television. Reading a book. Sitting quietly in the car.

These might be the moments when you notice your child regularly resting with their mouth open.

One observation does not tell the whole story, but a recurring pattern can be worth discussing.

At My Myo Matters, Alicia looks at oral habits and how the mouth and facial muscles function, while considering whether another health professional needs to be involved.

If this is something you keep noticing, contact Alicia to ask about an assessment.

29/09/2026

Myofunctional therapy isn’t about changing everything overnight.

Progress is built through repetition.

Practising an exercise.

Becoming aware of a habit.

Remembering a new resting position.

Trying again tomorrow.

Those small moments add up.

Every person’s goals and circumstances are different, which is why therapy should begin with understanding the individual rather than handing everyone the same list of exercises.

If you have been wondering whether a myofunctional assessment could be useful for you or your child, you can learn more at https://bit.ly/4gEMKOO

24/09/2026

Children grow quickly, and everyday habits develop right alongside them.

Noticing something early doesn’t mean there is automatically something “wrong”.

It means you have the opportunity to understand it.

Sometimes families simply need reassurance.

Sometimes another health professional should take a closer look.

And sometimes there may be an opportunity to support healthier oral function and habits before patterns become more established.

There is no need to diagnose your child from what you see online.

Notice the patterns. Ask the questions. Then find out what they mean for your child.

22/09/2026

“It’s probably nothing, but I keep noticing…”

Parents say versions of this all the time.

Maybe their child sleeps with their mouth open.

Maybe they seem to struggle keeping their lips closed at rest.

Maybe eating looks harder than expected.

Maybe they snore regularly.

One small observation doesn’t necessarily mean there is a problem.

But when you keep noticing the same thing, it is worth asking the question.

Parents see their children every day.

Those observations can be incredibly useful when building the bigger picture.

17/09/2026

Adults can experience oral and breathing patterns that have been present for years without ever giving them much thought.

Some seek a myofunctional assessment because of concerns around:

• Mouth breathing
• Tongue resting posture
• Jaw or facial muscle tension
• Changes following orthodontic treatment
• Oral habits
• Sleep-related breathing concerns

There isn’t one programme that suits everybody.

Assessment comes first, allowing Alicia to understand what is happening and whether myofunctional therapy may have an appropriate role alongside other healthcare providers.

16/09/2026

You ask how early can orthopaedic intervention start watch this great educational video by Derek Mahony IV