Helping children & adults improve oral muscle function for better breathing, swallowing, and articulation.
Speech therapy for lifelong success
​Regina, the founder of Practical Speech LLC, has seen how frustratingly slow progress can be. Speech therapy doesn’t need to take years. If you or your child have been engaged in speech therapy for an extended period with little improvement, it could indicate an underlying orofacial myofunctional disorder.
​
At Practical Speech, we specialize in helping patients of all ages, ranging from toddlers as young as 12 months to adults, develop healthier oral habits that support clear communication, efficient swallowing, and better breathing. We take a holistic approach to therapy, considering the whole oral system and collaborating with other healthcare providers to create treatment plans tailored to each person’s unique needs.
Your time is precious. Whether you’re helping your child reach their speech goals or addressing your own, our proactive approach helps maximize results efficiently. No matter the age, many clients begin noticing significant improvements in oral muscle function and communication in as little as six weeks.
Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMDs)
An Orofacial Myofunctional Disorder (OMD for short) is any atypical or adaptive oral pattern/habit that develops instead of typical oral habits. Since bone follows muscle as our bodies grow, atypical oral habits contribute to abnormal jaw growth/position, orthodontic relapse, narrow palatal arch, and cavities.
Adapted from the International Association of Orofacial Myology
Signs of OMDs
Adapted from the International Association of Orofacial Myology
-
Persistent speech errors, often /r, sh, ch, s, j, l/
-
Tongue thurst swallow past toddlerhood
-
Messy eating in school-aged and older kids
-
Chewing on only one side of the mouth
-
Thumb/finger sucking
-
Lips apart at rest
-
Tongue on "floor" of mouth at rest
-
Drooling
-
Snoring
OMDs are More Common in Kids with Speech Errors
Adapted from the International Association of Orofacial Myology
Speech Errors are Often a Symptom of an OMD
For clear speech, the tongue should rest suctioned to the roof of the mouth, with the lips closed and lightly touching. When there is a dysfunction of the oral-motor system and its rest posture, the person can't get their tongue into the proper spot for speech. This is most commonly seen on /s/, /l/, /r/, /ch/, /sh/, and /j/ sounds.
Want more information?
Schedule a free consultation with Regina to learn more by contacting us at hello@practicalspeechphilly.com!
Ready to work with us?
