Fundamentals of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for
the SLP (Recorded Webinar)

Presented by Ann Blau

Fundamentals of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy for the SLP (Recorded Webinar)

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Video Runtime: 179 Minutes; Learning Assessment Time: 32 Minutes

There has been a great deal of interest in Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) of late, driven to a large degree by an increased awareness of the importance of the airway, mouth, and tongue in our overall health. Once questioned as evidence-based practice, there is currently a growing body of literature to support the efficacy of OMT. As such, it is now more widely recognized and accepted as a therapeutic intervention that is integral to multidisciplinary treatment of Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs). As SLPs with training in the anatomy and physiology of breathing, speaking, chewing, swallowing, and orofacial development, we are well-positioned to be experts in the provision of OMT. In fact, we are currently being sought out as a profession by medical, dental, and allied health specialties to provide this therapeutic modality as part of a multidisciplinary approach to individualized care. In this webinar, Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) will develop an understanding of OMT and its effectiveness as a treatment modality to manage individuals with Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs) on their caseloads and in clinical practice settings.

Learning Objectives
  • Identify the terminology, anatomy, and physiology pertaining to OMT
  • Outline the historic origins of OMT to provide an understanding of how the discipline of Speech-Language Pathology became involved
  • Recognize the signs and symptoms of an OMD to improve identification of salient features of an OMD across the lifespan
  • State the comorbidities, etiology, and consequences of untreated OMDs, as well as the effects of OMDs on speech and swallowing according to recent literature
  • Recognize dysfunctional patterns related to posture, speech, voice, feeding, chewing, swallowing, and oral habits during an OMD assessment
  • Delineate treatment concepts, goals, objectives, and hierarchy of OMT
  • Examine current research in support of the effectiveness of OMT as applied to various medical conditions
  • Analyze sample case studies
  • Highlight key takeaway points from the webinar

Meet your instructor

Ann Blau

Ann Blau is a licensed speech-language pathologist and certified myofunctional therapist based in New York. She graduated with a master’s degree in communication sciences from Hunter College of the City University of New York and holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence from The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association…

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Chapters & learning objectives

Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)

1. Terminology, Anatomy, and Physiology of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)

In this chapter, we will define terminology related to OMT and identify the important structures and functions of the stomatognathic system and upper airway. Myths of OMT will be introduced for debunking over the course of the webinar.

History of OMT

2. History of OMT

In this chapter, we will detail the history of OMT and discover ASHA’s view on the role of the SLP in OMT.

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs): Signs and Symptoms

3. Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs): Signs and Symptoms

In this chapter, you will learn the characteristic signs and symptoms of OMDs in infants, children, adolescents, and adults.

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs): Comorbidities, Etiologies, and Review of Pertinent Literature

4. Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs): Comorbidities, Etiologies, and Review of Pertinent Literature

In this chapter, we will discuss a common comorbidity of OMDs, the deleterious effects of mouth breathing, the etiology of OMDs, long-term consequences of OMDs, and the research on OMDs related to speech and swallowing.

Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders: Assessment Framework

5. Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders: Assessment Framework

In this chapter, we will break down the evaluation process; discuss assessment parameters in the setting of structure, function, and behavior; and apply that knowledge to profiles of individuals with OMDs that you may already have on your caseload.

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: Treatment Goals and Hierarchy

6. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy: Treatment Goals and Hierarchy

In this chapter, we will detail OMT goals and objectives, discuss a proposed hierarchy of treatment, compare and contrast OMT with other interventions, and list the various professionals involved in a multidisciplinary care team.

Benefits of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

7. Benefits of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy

In this chapter, we will discuss the benefits of OMT and review and analyze recent literature findings pertaining to the effectiveness of OMT in several related SLP domains. Thoughts regarding the future of OMT and potential applications will also be shared.

Case Studies

8. Case Studies

This chapter will go over various pediatric, adolescent, and adult case studies. Ann Blau will provide analysis during this review.

Wrapping It All Up

9. Wrapping It All Up

In this section, I will share some concluding statements, takeaway messages, additional resources, and references.

Question and Answer Session

10. Question and Answer Session

In this chapter, we'll go over answers and assess the questions asked during the webinar.