Myofunctional therapy is becoming more widely accessible throughout the nation. However, in less populated areas such as rural Texas it can be difficult to find these services in close proximity. Patients and families may travel for miles to other cities every week to find therapists and facilities offering myofunctional therapy, spending gas and time. Isn’t there a better way?
There is! Virtual therapy is revolutionizing speech and myofunctional therapy by offering an at-home option. Now patients can attend virtual sessions over video conferencing with a licensed speech language pathologist from Marvel Myo & Speech. Our virtual services provide a workable solution for patients across the nation who need or prefer to receive therapy at home.
What is Myofunctional Therapy?
Myofunctional therapy refers to treatments that improve speech, swallowing/feeding, and breathing. These are often related, though some patients may experience problems with just one or two. A speech language pathologist can guide patients through exercises that can train their mouth and facial muscles to move in the proper way.
How Does Virtual Therapy Work?
Virtual therapy sessions take place over video conferencing on a computer or mobile device. The therapist can demonstrate exercises for the patient to repeat and monitor their progress. A key element of success in virtual therapy is daily practice at home between therapy sessions.
Benefits of Virtual Therapy
- Convenience. Virtual therapy is convenient, allowing patients to receive treatment in the comfort of their own home.
- Access to treatment. Patients without nearby therapy services can receive treatment without having to travel.
- Save money. The cost of virtual therapy is often less than in-person treatment, and you save money on gas when you don’t have to drive to therapy sessions.
- Personalized care. Through virtual therapy patients receive personalized treatment from a licensed speech therapist that meets their individual needs.
What Can Virtual Myofunctional Therapy Treat?
- Speech. Virtual therapy can address speech delays, pronunciation issues, and other problems related to speech and language development.
- Airway and breathing. Issues such as mouth breathing and sleep apnea can affect sleep quality and lead to improper jaw development. Virtual orofacial therapy can improve breathing and airway issues.
- Feeding and swallowing. Improper swallowing can lead to feeding issues from infancy into adulthood. Virtual therapy, sometimes along with surgical interventions such as frenectomies, can correct feeding-related problems.
Who is a Candidate for Virtual Myofunctional Therapy?
Patients age 5 and older who have signs of speech, swallowing, or breathing issues are candidates for virtual myofunctional therapy. Although it is ideal for patients to begin therapy at a younger age, even adults with lifelong issues have had success with myofunctional therapy.
Getting Started with Virtual Therapy
If you or your child is in need of myofunctional therapy and you’re looking for a convenient option, Marvel Myo & Speech provides virtual therapy for patients age 5 and up. Our licensed speech therapists provide personalized treatment to meet the individual needs of each patient, monitoring progress and adjusting therapy accordingly to achieve the desired results. Save time and money today with virtual therapy. Contact us to learn more and schedule a consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Therapy
Do I ever need to meet in person during virtual therapy?
No, in person meetings are not required for virtual therapy with Marvel Myo & Speech. From the initial diagnosis to the final therapy session, everything is online.
Does virtual therapy work as well as in-person treatment?
Numerous success stories and data have proven that virtual therapy is a highly effective form of treatment, especially for patients who do not have easy access to in-person therapy.
Marvel Myo & Speech provides virtual therapy for patients with speech, swallowing, and breathing issues. We are dedicated to making therapy available to patients nationwide including rural Texas and other underserved areas. To find out if virtual therapy may be right for you, contact us and schedule a consultation.
