We interviewed Michelle Emanuel OTR/L IBCLC NBCR CST CIMI RYT200 to discuss tongue tie and its effect on the whole body, growth and childhood development. You can watch the replay below. Please note that you will be asked to provide your email address at the 30-minute mark to continue viewing the replay.

What Is Tongue Tie?

Tongue tie is a condition in which a string of tissue under the tongue is so thick that it restricts normal tongue movement and therefore function. It can cause or contribute to a whole host of health and quality-of-life issues such as:

• Facial/airway development problems such as:
  • Narrow sinus passages
  • Small jaw
  • Crowded teeth
  • Obstructive Sleep Apnea

You wouldn’t think that such a small piece of layered fascia could have such a big impact, but it can!

How Is Tongue Tie Treated?

Tongue ties are typically released with scissors or a laser at a qualified doctor’s or dentist’s office. The procedure usually takes 30 seconds or less. What’s important is the aftercare, which requires a team of practitioners using a whole-body approach to keep the tongue from reattaching, to increase functionality of the tongue and to help the body to readjust to the tremendous amount of pressure that has been released. These practitioners can be, depending on the age of the child or adult:

• Pediatric dentist who is knowledgeable about tongue ties (many aren’t)
• Lactation consultant if child is still nursing
• Myofascial or myofunctional practitioner
• Chiropractor
• Bodywork practitioner such as a craniosacral therapist and/or reflex integration therapist
• Speech and language pathologist if indicated
• Feeding specialist if indicated

In This Webinar

Our guest, Michelle Emanuel, explained how a released tongue tie can affect the growth and development of a child in a positive way. Building on her expertise as a lacatation consultant, a craniosacral therapist, an occupational therapist and the developer of both the TummyTime! Method as well as BabyMyo, Michelle shows how and why bodywork is necessary for those who have had a tongue-tie release.

Key Discussions

Tongue Tie and Its Broad Impact

Tongue ties affect a wide range of bodily functions, including feeding, breathing, muscle tone, and neurodevelopment. Early detection and intervention are crucial in preventing long-term health issues.

Professional Support and Intervention

Effective management of tongue tie requires a multidisciplinary approach involving lactation consultants, myofunctional therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists. Continuous collaboration and check-ups are necessary for comprehensive care.

Feeding Challenges and Solutions

Tongue ties can cause significant breastfeeding difficulties, such as reflux, colic, and poor weight gain in infants. Techniques like therapeutic tummy time and seeking help from certified lactation consultants can mitigate these issues.

Neurodevelopmental and Sensory Processing Disorders

Tongue ties may contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders, sensory processing issues, and conditions like ADHD. Addressing tongue function early can improve sensory integration and developmental outcomes.

Myofunctional and Oral Motor Therapy

Myofunctional therapy is essential in addressing muscle dysfunction caused by tongue ties. Proper oral motor exercises aid in improving breathing, swallowing, and overall oral functions, contributing to better long-term health.

Timestamped Overview

00:00 Focused on baby development, tongue tie impact.
20:42 Seek professional help if baby has issues.
40:49 Tummy time method important for babies’ development.
44:02 Limited movement in the womb affects development.
01:02:48 Myofunctional therapy requires trained and certified specialists.
01:23:33 Sonia Story spoke about kids’ posture and reflexes.
01:32:06 Hypermobility affects joints and connective tissues.
01:40:03 Expand body, use length, move in water.
01:52:03 To release posterior tie, address muscle dysfunction.
01:55:20 Sensory processing and motor output in children.

About Michelle Emanuel OTR/L IBCLC NBCR CST CIMI RYT200

Michelle also developed BabyMyo, a novel curriculum of oral habilitation involving optimal strength, endurance, range of motion, sensory processing, motor patterns, reflexes, oral and pharyngeal phases of breastfeeding and bottlefeeding for the newborn to precrawling baby.

She also educates, certifies, and mentors professionals to become certified in TTM. For the past few years, Michelle has beein in full-time private practice, evaluating and treating babies with cranial nerve dysfunction, tethered oral tissues and precrawling baby oral motor/developmental concerns.

Michelle is a co-author of Tongue-Tied: How a Tiny String Under the Tongue Impacts Nursing, Speech, Feeding, and More.

She is on the teaching staff of the Academy of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy. You can find out more about her at www.tummytimemethod.com

Disclaimer

This webinar is not a substitute for medical advice, treatment, diagnosis, or consultation with a medical professional. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on to make determinations related to treatment of a medical condition. Epidemic Answers has not verified and does not guaranty the accuracy of the information provided in this webinar.

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