Tongue physiotherapy means rehabilitation focused on certain tongue functions within orofacial care. To understand what is proposed, ask which movement needs work, how it will be assessed and what you should practise between sessions. A programme only makes sense in relation to the assessment.
What does a tongue assessment look for?
The practitioner asks why you are consulting and observes the relevant functions: resting posture, mobility, swallowing and coordination with other oral structures. They also consider information from your dental or medical care.
Assessment is not simply noticing that the tongue touches a particular place. It must establish whether that observation corresponds to a difficulty and whether retraining can address it. Breathing problems, a recent dental change or pain may require another opinion before choosing exercises.
Which techniques may be proposed?
Learning to observe and reproduce a movement
A mirror and the practitioner's guidance help you understand the intended movement. This work focuses on precision: following the instruction without adding unnecessary tension.
Working on mobility or coordination
Exercises may involve elevation, a targeted movement or a functional sequence. The choice and progression of movements depend on the assessment findings, not on one programme for every patient.
Adding resistance when appropriate
If strength is a selected goal, the professional specifies the equipment, intensity, repetitions and stopping criteria. A pilot trial in children showed improved elevation strength and some posture measures. It remains limited to a small population with a specific indication. Van Dyck et al., 2016
Why do sessions and personal practice complement each other?
Sessions allow explanation, observation and correction. Home practice repeats what was demonstrated. A persistent difficulty should prompt a check of the movement rather than increasing resistance or practice time on your own initiative.
Ask for written instructions you can reread. Note whether an exercise remains unclear, causes discomfort or takes too long to perform regularly. This information helps you discuss a realistic programme.
Our guide to exercise duration and frequency explains why there is no universal schedule.
What results can you expect?
Results should be expressed in terms of the function being worked on. Performing a movement during a session, reproducing it in everyday life and changing an orthodontic measurement are three different outcomes.
Systematic reviews of myofunctional therapy in orthodontics report a lack of quality studies and widely varied methods. They cannot guarantee correction of an open bite, absence of relapse or a change to the adult face. Homem et al., 2014 ; Koletsi et al., 2018.
Follow-up compares progress with the starting point and reassesses the goal if the expected result remains unclear.
Where does MyoTrain fit in?
An exercise device may have a role when it matches the requested movement and the conditions defined during the session. Our catalogue presents MyoTrain as a device for tongue exercises. Use should follow its instructions and the professional's guidance.
Show the model before adding it to your practice. An accessory being marketed for the tongue does not establish its suitability for every disorder or mean it replicates the equipment used in studies.
To choose whom to consult, also read physiotherapist or speech and language therapist for tongue retraining.
Sources and method
- Homem et al., 2014. Systematic review of myofunctional therapy in orthodontics.
- Koletsi et al., 2018. Early treatment and myofunctional therapy in children.
- Van Dyck et al., 2016. Pilot trial in 22 children with anterior open bite.
Written by: Dr Vladimir Khourda, a dentist who no longer practises. Informational content updated on 1 October 2026 using the references cited. It does not replace an individual assessment.