FAQ

1. What is the purpose of myofunctional therapy?

Myofunctional therapy focuses on correcting dysfunction of the tongue, throat and/or facial muscles in both at-rest position and in dynamic movement. This is especially helpful when dysfunction has been affecting other parts of the body involved in: breathing, speaking, sleeping, chewing, swallowing, and ambulation. Improving functional oral movement and posture supports long-term and multi-system recovery. This may also result in improved oxygenation and immune system function in addition to lasting pain relief where discomfort or tension have been present. Myofunctional therapy is often recommended along with other treatment modalities and practices such as physical therapy and orthodontia.

2. What kinds of disorders can myofunctional therapy treat?
Therapy will address and affect:

  • Habitual open-mouth breathing

  • Poor sleep quality

  • Low tongue resting posture, tongue tie, compensatory muscle patterns

  • Oral phase swallowing restrictions, orthodontic relapse

  • Speech articulation

Any of these may also present in the context of connective tissue disorders, which although not treated directly, have the potential to be managed better with the above areas addressed and improved.
It’s also possible to not have a specific disorder but still benefit from myofunctional therapy tandem with physical therapy or orthodontic treatment to relieve general jaw pain or tightness.

3. Can myofunctional therapy or speech-language therapy be conducted online?

Yes! Jane is well-versed in telehealth, and has many years of experience conducting in-person and online therapy for individuals and families and with providing continuing education and consultation for other professionals. Therapy and training sessions can be carried out 100% via video calls using HIPPAA-compliant software. From there, Jane will help you generalize your progress across settings so that you can see and experience lasting change.

4. Are medical rehabilitation services (e.g. Myofuctional Therapy, Speech Therapy) covered by my insurance?

SLP and Myofunctional services are provided on a private pay, cash basis. Payment in full is collected at time of service or according to a financial arrangement agreed upon between Jane Butler M.S., CCC-SLP and her client in writing at the time services are initiated. Invoices/superbills will be generated, along with all needed credentialing documents and clients and families are free to submit this information to their insurance company for out-of-network benefit coverage.

For Elite Athletics clients, all financial arrangements will be made between Jane Butler M.S., CCC-SLP and her client in writing at the time services are initiated.

5. If I’m seeking myofunctional therapy or speech-language therapy for myself or as a representative of a patient or athlete, how long will it take to address these difficulties?

While outcomes vary from one client to another and always from one level of impairment to another, Jane will be working with you in a transparent way to ensure that you fully understand optimal function of the oral structures and airway. She will also help you learn how improvements in these skills areas can help you on your personal health journey or in performance.

Jane will also help you establish realistic expectations about therapy progress and success and will work with you to design a check in/reassessment schedule. In this way, progress can be seen and measured. 

6. Where will services be provided?

Jane collaborates with families, physicians, athletic coaches and trainers, and other medical providers. Jane conducts individual sessions online and works in a multitude of professional and clinical settings both in-person and virtually.