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  • Snoring and Sleep Apnoea Treatment

Treatment Therapy

Snoring and sleep apnoea are common sleep-related issues that can significantly impact your quality of life, as well as the health of those around you. These conditions not only disrupt sleep but can also lead to more serious health problems if left untreated. At Key Osteopaths in Surrey, we offer myofunctional therapy as an approach to assessing why you might be experiencing these issues and ultimately to try to reduce snoring and managing sleep apnoea. By tackling the root issues related to orofacial dysfunctions, we help improve breathing patterns and support better sleep.
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Understanding Snoring and Sleep Apnoea

To effectively treat snoring and sleep apnoea, it is important to understand the root causes of these conditions and how they affect your health. Both snoring and sleep apnoea are often linked to airway obstruction, which can be influenced by orofacial myofunctional disorders.

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The Causes and Consequences of Snoring

Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially obstructed during sleep, causing the tissues in the throat to vibrate. This obstruction can be due to several factors, including poor tongue posture, weak throat muscles, or nasal congestion. While snoring might seem like a minor annoyance, it can have serious consequences, including daytime fatigue, irritability, and may be the cause of teeth grinding (bruxism). We will conduct a thorough examination to identify the specific causes of your snoring and whether we can help and then develop a personalised myofunctional therapy plan to address them.

How Sleep Apnoea Affects Overall Health

Sleep apnoea is a more severe condition where the airway becomes completely blocked during sleep, leading to repeated interruptions in breathing. These pauses in breathing can last for several seconds and occur multiple times throughout the night, disrupting sleep cycles and reducing oxygen levels in the blood. The effects of sleep apnoea extend beyond poor sleep quality; it is associated with increased risks of high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and even diabetes. Recognising the signs of sleep apnoea, such as loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, and excessive daytime sleepiness, is crucial for seeking timely treatment.

The Link Between Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders and Sleep Disorders

Orofacial myofunctional disorders can play a significant role in both snoring and sleep apnoea. Poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat, incorrect tongue posture, and habitual mouth breathing are all factors that can contribute to airway obstruction during sleep. Myofunctional therapy at Key Osteopaths focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, and throat to support proper breathing patterns. By enhancing muscle tone and promoting nasal breathing, we can help reduce the occurrences of snoring and sleep apnoea, leading to better sleep and improved overall health.
If you or someone you know is struggling with snoring or sleep apnoea, contact Key Osteopaths in Surrey today to schedule a consultation and explore how myofunctional therapy can help.
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How Myofunctional Therapy Can Improve Sleep Quality

Myofunctional therapy offers a targeted approach to improving sleep quality by addressing the underlying factors that contribute to snoring and sleep apnoea. At Key Osteopaths in Surrey, we tailor our therapy programs to optimise breathing patterns, strengthen orofacial muscles, and promote restful sleep, helping you achieve better overall health and revitalised energy levels.

Encouraging Nasal Breathing to Minimise Snoring

Nasal breathing is crucial for maintaining an open and clear airway during sleep. Many individuals who snore breathe through their mouths, leading to increased airway resistance and disrupted sleep patterns. Myofunctional therapy focuses on retraining your body to prioritise nasal breathing by addressing any functional barriers, such as inadequate tongue posture or nasal blockages. You will be guided through specialised exercises designed to promote nasal breathing, which can significantly reduce or eliminate snoring, leading to a quieter and more restful night’s sleep.

Strengthening Orofacial Muscles to Prevent Airway Collapse

Weak orofacial muscles, particularly those in the tongue and throat, can contribute to airway collapse during sleep, a key factor in both snoring and sleep apnoea. Myofunctional therapy includes exercises that specifically target these muscles, helping to increase their tone and strength. By strengthening these muscles, the airway remains more stable and less likely to collapse during sleep, reducing the interruptions in breathing that characterise sleep apnoea. We will work with you to develop a personalised exercise regimen that focuses on these critical areas, helping to prevent airway obstruction and promote healthier sleep patterns.

Exercises to Promote Restful Sleep

Beyond addressing the mechanical aspects of snoring and sleep apnoea, myofunctional therapy also includes exercises that promote overall relaxation and improve sleep quality. These exercises are designed to help you develop better control over your breathing and muscle function, making it easier to maintain a restful state throughout the night. By integrating these exercises into your daily routine, you can enhance your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, leading to more restorative and uninterrupted sleep.
At Key Osteopaths, our goal is to help you achieve a better night’s sleep through a comprehensive approach that combines myofunctional therapy with osteopathic care. By addressing the root causes of your sleep issues, we aim to improve your sleep quality and overall health.
If snoring or sleep apnoea is affecting your sleep, schedule a consultation with Key Osteopaths in Surrey today to learn how myofunctional therapy can help you achieve a more restful night.
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Combining Myofunctional Therapy with Other Treatments for Sleep Apnoea

For those suffering from sleep apnoea, a multifaceted approach often yields the best results. Myofunctional therapy can be effectively combined with other treatments to provide comprehensive management of sleep apnoea. At Key Osteopaths in Surrey, we work closely with patients to integrate myofunctional therapy with other proven methods, ensuring a holistic and effective treatment plan.

The Role of CPAP and Oral Appliances

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines and oral appliances are common treatments for managing sleep apnoea. CPAP machines work by delivering a steady stream of air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep, while oral appliances are designed to reposition the jaw or tongue to prevent airway obstruction. While these treatments are effective, they primarily manage the symptoms rather than addressing the underlying causes. Myofunctional therapy complements these treatments by targeting the orofacial muscles and improving their function, potentially reducing reliance on CPAP or oral appliances over time. By enhancing muscle tone and promoting proper tongue posture, myofunctional therapy can help make these devices more effective and may even reduce the severity of sleep apnoea.

Integrating Osteopathy for Comprehensive Sleep Disorder Management

Osteopathy plays a critical role in the comprehensive management of sleep disorders, including sleep apnoea. Osteopathic treatment focuses on improving the overall structure and function of the body, particularly the musculoskeletal system. At Key Osteopaths, we will begin with a thorough assessment of your posture, jaw alignment, and respiratory mechanics. By addressing any structural imbalances or restrictions, osteopathy can enhance the effectiveness of myofunctional therapy and other treatments. This integrated approach not only improves airway function but also promotes better overall health, leading to more sustainable improvements in sleep quality.
Combining myofunctional therapy with CPAP, oral appliances, and osteopathy provides a comprehensive strategy for managing sleep apnoea. This holistic approach ensures that all aspects of the condition are addressed, offering the best chance for long-term relief and improved quality of life.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive approach to managing sleep apnoea, contact Key Osteopaths in Surrey today to schedule your consultation and learn how our integrated treatments can help you achieve better sleep.
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Schedule a Sleep Consultation to Address Snoring and Sleep Apnoea

If snoring or sleep apnoea is affecting your sleep quality and overall health, Key Osteopaths in Surrey is here to help. Our integrated approach combines myofunctional therapy with osteopathy and other treatments to address the underlying causes of your sleep issues. By improving muscle function and airway stability, we aim to help you achieve a more restful and healthy night’s sleep.
Anna van Piggelen Osteopath Myofunctional Therapist in Surrey v2

Anna van Piggelen

Osteopath & Myofunctional Therapist in Surrey
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.
Graduating in Osteopathy from the University College of Osteopathy in 2010, Anna later pursued specialised training in myofunctional therapy with the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy and advanced studies with the Airway Circle.
Anna’s approach is deeply personal—having undergone palate expansion and myofunctional therapy herself to address childhood thumb-sucking-related jaw and ENT issues, she understands the challenges firsthand. This fuels her dedication to supporting both children and adults facing airway concerns.
She collaborates closely with ENT consultants, dentists, and orthodontists, ensuring each patient receives the right care at the right time. Myofunctional therapy may not always be the immediate solution, but it can play a crucial role later in treatment.
Beyond myofunctional therapy, Anna integrates osteopathy to provide structural, hands-on support, assisting with posture correction and tightness. She uses cranial osteopath in coordination with other specialists to aid orthodontic care and frenulum releases, ensuring comprehensive and collaborative treatment tailored to individual needs.
Don’t let snoring or sleep apnoea disrupt your life any longer. Schedule a sleep consultation with Key Osteopaths today and take the first step toward better sleep and improved well-being.
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Frequently Asked Questions About TMJ / Jaw Pain Treatment

Q: Can osteopathy help with TMJ and jaw pain?

A: 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.

Q: How many osteopathic sessions are usually required for TMJ and jaw pain treatment?

A: 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.

Q: Are there any side effects or risks associated with osteopathic treatment for TMJ and jaw pain?

A: 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.

osteopathy treatment questions typically asked

Q: Can lifestyle modifications help in managing TMJ and jaw pain?

A: 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.

Q: Can TMJ and jaw pain be completely cured with osteopathic treatment?

A: 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.

Q: Can children receive osteopathic treatment for TMJ and jaw pain?

A: 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.