A whole‑body approach to breathing, swallowing, growth and long‑term jaw health Parent’s and individuals may arrive at this page after seeing several providers — dentists, GPs, ENTs, orthodontists or physiotherapists — yet still feel stuck with symptoms that don’t seem to have a clear cause.
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) offers a different perspective. Instead of looking only at the teeth or the jaw joint, OMT examines the neuromuscular patterns of the lips, tongue, face and airway — the habits that shape how you breathe, swallow, sleep and grow. It’s like physio for your mouth!
With a deep commitment to patient care, Anna van Piggelen brings expertise in both osteopathy and myofunctional therapy, helping individuals improve their health and well-being.
Treatment is tailored to the individual, but follows a clear and structured approach.
We begin with a detailed assessment of your breathing, tongue posture, swallow patterns and overall muscle function. This allows us to identify the specific habits contributing to your symptoms, rather than guessing or applying a one-size-fits-all solution.
From there, you will be guided through a series of targeted exercises designed to improve strength, coordination and control of the tongue, lips and airway.
Each session builds on the last. Progress is monitored closely, and your exercises are adapted as your function improves.
The aim is not just short-term relief, but long-term change in how your body naturally breathes, swallows and holds posture day to day.
OMT focuses on restoring healthy function in four key areas:
Nasal breathing
Lip strength and lip seal
Tongue strength and tongue posture
Correct swallow patterns
These foundations influence far more than most people realise. OMT is a structured, progressive therapy that creates long‑term change by retraining the muscles that guide your jaw, airway and facial development. It requires consistency for real change to happen, which means incorporating the exercises into your everyday.
In most cases we require at least 6 sessions, usually spaced out over 3 months. For some people it can be fewer if there is something small to work on or advise and for other’s who have significant habits or weakness it can be more, spaced out over a
year.
Breathing through the mouth is common but it is not how the body is designed to function. Nasal breathing is essential for healthy development and long‑term stability.
❗ What happens when we mouth breathe
Mouth breathing can:
Dry and irritate the airway, making it more prone to congestion, inflammation and snoring
Reduce tongue-to-palate contact, which is crucial for healthy jaw and palate development
Alter facial growth, often contributing to a longer face, narrow palate, crowded teeth or a weak chin
Increase strain on the TMJ and neck muscles, leading to jaw pain, headaches and tension
Disrupt sleep quality, as mouth breathing is linked to snoring and sleep‑disordered breathing
Affect oral health, increasing the risk of cavities, gum irritation and bad breath
Change swallowing patterns, often resulting in tongue thrusts or compensatory muscle use
Impact behaviour and focus in children, due to reduced sleep quality and oxygen efficiency
Nasal breathing, by contrast, filters, warms and humidifies the air, supports optimal oxygen uptake, and encourages the tongue to rest in the correct position — a key factor in jaw stability, airway health and facial development.
This is why myofunctional therapy places such strong emphasis on restoring nasal breathing, lip seal, and correct tongue posture.
Adults often seek OMT after years of symptoms such as:
Jaw pain
Clicking or popping
Tension headaches
Neck tightness
Poor sleep
Relapse after orthodontics
Difficulty maintaining nasal breathing
Chronic clenching or grinding
Therapy helps restore efficient muscle patterns, reduce strain on the TMJ, and improve long‑term stability — even if symptoms have been present for years.
Many people have been offered a mouth guard that has not helped and often can make problems worse; we want to get to the root cause instead of using a band-aid.
Working on these patterns may support improvements in:
Jaw pain and TMJ dysfunction
Headaches and migraines
Tinnitus and ear fullness
Snoring and sleep quality
Sleep apnoea (as part of a multidisciplinary plan)
Chewing and swallowing difficulties
Bruxism (clenching and grinding)
Facial aesthetics and muscle balance
Dental occlusion and orthodontic stability
Relapse after braces
Mouth breathing and airway issues
Tongue tie and restricted oral range of motion
People with OMDs may show features such as:
A weak‑looking chin or recessed jaw
Enlarged cheeks from overactive facial muscles
A long face or narrow palate
Crowded teeth or open bite
Dark circles under the eyes from poor sleep
Thin lips or difficulty keeping lips closed
History of orthodontic relapse
These signs reflect muscle patterns, not cosmetic issues — and they can often be improved with targeted therapy.
Tongue‑tie (ankyloglossia) can restrict tongue mobility and contribute to:
Feeding challenges
Speech difficulties
Mouth breathing
Snoring
Tongue thrusts
Dental crowding
TMJ strain
Myofunctional therapy is essential both before and after a frenectomy.
We prepare the tongue and surrounding muscles to support:
Optimal healing
Improved mobility
Reduced risk of reattachment
Better functional outcomes
We guide you (or your child) through:
Gentle wound‑healing support
Progressive mobility exercises
Integration of new tongue posture
Re‑patterning of swallowing and breathing
This combined approach leads to more predictable, long‑lasting results.
Yes, osteopathy can be an effective treatment option for TMJ and jaw pain. Osteopathic treatment focuses on restoring proper alignment, function, and mobility of the temporomandibular joint and surrounding structures. Through manual therapy techniques, joint mobilisation, and soft tissue manipulation, osteopaths can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve jaw function, and promote healing.
The number of osteopathic sessions required for TMJ and jaw pain treatment can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to treatment. Some individuals may experience relief after a few sessions, while others may require ongoing treatment over a longer period. The osteopath will assess your specific condition and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Osteopathic treatment for TMJ and jaw pain is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, as with any manual therapy, some individuals may experience mild soreness or discomfort following treatment. These effects are typically temporary and resolve within a short period. It’s important to communicate any concerns or unusual symptoms with your osteopath during the treatment process.
Yes, lifestyle modifications can play a supportive role in managing TMJ and jaw pain. Some helpful modifications may include practicing stress management techniques, avoiding excessive jaw movements (such as chewing gum), practicing good posture, avoiding hard or chewy foods, and applying heat or cold packs to the affected area. Your osteopath can provide specific recommendations based on your condition and lifestyle.
The effectiveness of osteopathic treatment for TMJ and jaw pain varies from person to person. While some individuals may experience significant relief and improvement, others may find that symptoms are better managed but not completely eliminated. Osteopathic treatment aims to reduce pain, improve function, and enhance overall well-being. It’s important to have realistic expectations and work closely with your osteopath to achieve the best possible outcome.
Yes, children can receive osteopathic treatment for TMJ and jaw pain. Osteopathic techniques can be adapted to suit the age and condition of the child, providing gentle and effective relief. It’s important to consult with an experienced pediatric osteopath who specialises in treating children to ensure safe and appropriate care.
Whether you’re seeking help for your child or looking to finally understand your own symptoms, OMT offers a structured, evidence‑based pathway to better function, better breathing and better long‑term health.