Introduction: The Small Muscles that Guide Big Movements
You may think of posture as a spinal issue—but it actually starts in the mouth. The way your tongue rests, how you chew, and whether you breathe through your nose or mouth all affect the alignment of your jaw, head, spine, and shoulders.
At BreatheWorks, we specialize in myofunctional therapy, a treatment that strengthens and coordinates the oral and facial muscles to promote healthy posture, airway function, and long-term wellness.
The Postural Power of the Oral Complex
When oral muscles function correctly:
- The tongue rests on the palate
- The lips stay closed
- Breathing happens through the nose
- The jaw stays relaxed, stable, and pain-free
- The head and neck align naturally with the spine
But when there’s dysfunction—such as mouth breathing, low tongue posture, or grinding teeth in sleep—it leads to:
- Forward head posture and cervical strain
- Thoracic collapse and restricted diaphragm function
- TMJ inflammation and improper chewing patterns
- Full-body compensation and asymmetry
Real-World Case: A 22-Year-Old College Athlete with TMJ Pain and Shoulder Strain
This patient came in with:
- TMJ clicking and clenching
- Poor sleep and daytime fatigue
- Chronic neck and shoulder tension
- History of mouth breathing and crowded teeth
Evaluation revealed:
- Low tongue posture and weak swallow
- Bruxism during sleep
- Compensatory forward head posture
- Shallow breathing and poor postural tone in the core
BreatheWorks care included:
- A structured oromyofunctional therapy program
- Sleep-time strategies to reduce clenching and promote nasal breathing
- Collaboration with his chiropractor and PT
- Habit training and breathing re-education
Results after 8 weeks:
- Reduced jaw pain and grinding
- More stable head and shoulder posture
- Better sleep and daytime recovery
- Increased athletic endurance and fewer injuries
Why Oral Muscles Shape Whole-Body Posture
The tongue is a postural muscle. When it rests on the roof of the mouth, it:
- Supports upper jaw development
- Promotes spinal extension and core activation
- Balances cranial nerves that control tension and tone
- Affects swallowing, chewing, and even pelvic floor engagement
Without this foundation, the body adapts—but not in a good way.
How BreatheWorks Rebuilds the Postural Chain
✅ Myofunctional therapy to retrain tongue, lips, and swallow
✅ Breath coaching to support nasal breathing and diaphragmatic tone
✅ TMJ support to reduce inflammation and prevent compensation
✅ Structural collaboration with PTs, orthodontists, and ENTs
✅ Custom plans for teens, adults, and children to improve posture from the inside out
Signs You Might Benefit from Myofunctional Therapy for Posture
- Chronic neck or shoulder tension
- Jaw pain or TMJ clicking
- Grinding teeth in sleep
- Improper chewing or open-mouth posture
- Forward head position or rounded shoulders
- History of orthodontic relapse
- Unexplained fatigue, poor sleep, or speech difficulties
Key Takeaways
- Posture starts in the mouth—specifically with the tongue and jaw
- Dysfunction here causes full-body compensation and chronic pain
- Myofunctional therapy restores muscular balance for better posture
- BreatheWorks offers root-cause therapy for alignment and wellness
