SPEECH PATHOLOGY services:

1. Feeding/swallowing therapy and assessment

• Infant - For parents/caregivers that require support with breast or bottle feeding.

• Toddler - Fussy or problem feeders

• Adults - A change in your psychological state can influence your ability to swallow. By assessing and addressing any effects on the vagus nerve, we can implement effective therapies to help restore normal function. We are dedicated to guiding you through this process and providing the support you need to regain your comfort and confidence.

2. Oral restriction assessment and therapy

Three types of oral restrictions can affect individuals: tongue tie (located under the tongue), lip tie (found under the upper lip), and buccal tie (inside the cheeks).

A tongue tie occurs when the band of tissue connecting the tongue to the bottom of the mouth is overly short, thick, or tight. This can limit the tongue's natural movement and may present opportunities for improvement in various areas. For example, addressing a tongue tie can positively impact a baby's feeding patterns, help toddlers accept a broader range of foods by resolving swallowing challenges, and support healthy jaw development and breathing patterns in children and adults. Recognising and managing these conditions can lead to significant benefits for overall oral health and well-being.

We are trained in this area to gently assess and offer you different holistic options to manage these conditions.

3. Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT)

Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) is a holistic therapy that can help children and adults with problems of the jaw, mouth and throat.  These could include tongue thrusting, eating and swallowing, breathing, and speech challenges.

OMT treatment aims to retrain the muscles of the face, jaw, tongue, and lips so that they work more optimally while they are being used and also at rest.  You can think of it like a gym program for your face and mouth muscles!  When these muscles are functioning well, the resting position of the tongue sits gently sealed against the roof of the mouth and the posture of the jaw is aligned and relaxed.  Meaning you can chew, swallow, breath and speak with ease!

It is often used as an adjunct therapy by orthodontists, dentists, speech-language pathologists, lactation consultants, and other professionals working in this area to assist and increase the effectiveness of other treatments. 

Orofacial myofunctional disorder (OMD) can include one or a combination of the following:

• Irregular breathing which can lead to anxiety.

• Thumb and finger sucking habits.

• An open mouth posture when at rest and/or sleeping.

• A forward resting posture of the tongue between or against the teeth.

• Tongue Thrust, incorrect chewing function.

• Speech errors or distortion.

• Overcrowding.

• High palate.

• Eating/Feeding disorder.

What are the benefits of OMT?

• Improve quality of sleep - sleep disordered breathing and sleep apnea can make it physically impossible to achieve proper rest, even if you are in bed for eight hours every night.

• Relieve Jaw Pain and Headaches.

• Alleviate Digestive Problems.

• Boost Mental Wellness and Confidence.

4. Language therapy

Are you eager to foster a deeper connection with your child through meaningful words and gestures? Consider enhancing your child's language skills, which can significantly improve the way you communicate with one another. By creating a rich verbal environment filled with engaging conversations, stories, and expressive gestures, you can encourage your child to develop their communication abilities and strengthen your bond. Together, you can explore the joys of language while nurturing a lifelong parent-child connection.