What Is Myofunctional Therapy? The Missing Link to Lifelong Health — for All Ages—By Beronica Cruz Hamill, BGS, IFC|Breath Embodies Life...

When people ask me what myofunctional therapy is, I often smile and say:“It’s the therapy you didn’t know you needed—but once you understand it, it all makes sense.”

Most of us grow up assuming that mouth breathing, restless sleep, messy eating, or even orthodontic relapse is just "normal." But behind so many of these everyday struggles is a root issue that often goes unnoticed: how the muscles of the face, mouth, and airway are functioning—or not functioning—as they should.

That’s where myofunctional therapy comes in.

💡 So, What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is like physical therapy for the muscles of the face, tongue, and mouth. It retrains these muscles to support better breathing, chewing, swallowing, posture, and even speech.

In my practice, I work with people of all ages—from babies learning to latch and feed, to toddlers with open-mouth posture, to teens and adults dealing with TMJ discomfort, sleep-disordered breathing, or long-standing tongue thrust habits.

It’s gentle, individualized, and often life-changing.

🌱 Why It Matters — at Every Stage of Life

When the tongue doesn’t rest in the right position or moves improperly during swallowing, it can disrupt a lot more than you'd think. Some signs of dysfunction include:

• Snoring, mouth breathing, or poor sleep quality

• Orthodontic relapse or crowding

• Tongue thrust or open bite

• Difficulty chewing or swallowing

• Headaches, neck tension, or TMJ issues

• Speech delays or lisping

• Behavioral or focus concerns in children

These patterns don’t just affect the mouth—they impact the airway, posture, growth, and even emotional regulation. That’s why identifying and addressing them early can make such a difference.

🔍 My Why — and Why You Might Need This Too

My journey into this work began not just as a healthcare provider, but as a mother. When my youngest daughter started showing signs of dysfunction that no one could explain, I began searching for answers. That search led me to my first myofunctional therapy course in 2021, and eventually to founding Cruz Myotherapy.

Since then, I’ve made it my mission to help families find the root cause behind the symptoms and support their long-term wellness—especially when other therapies haven’t gotten to the why. In March 2024, I completed my Infant Feeding Councilor Certification, expanding my ability to support even the tiniest patients from the very beginning of life.

✨ Why It’s the Missing Link

Myofunctional therapy often ties together what other providers may not see. It bridges the gap between oral habits and whole-body health. It supports airway growth, better sleep, digestive health, facial development, and more. Whether you're 2 or 62, function matters—and it can always improve.

💬 Let’s Connect

If you're wondering whether myofunctional therapy could help you or your child, I’d love to connect. My goal is to provide compassionate, collaborative care that empowers families to make informed choices—and see lasting results.

📩 Schedule a discovery call or reach out anytime at info@cruzmyotherapy.com.

You don’t have to navigate this alone—let’s find the missing link, together.