Beyond the Procedure: How Bodywork Maximizes the Benefits of Tongue Tie Release
If you suspect you or your little one have a tongue tie, but couldn’t get an appointment with a tongue tie release provider until you received bodywork - YAY - you’ve likely chosen a great provider! This is done to not only improve the outcomes of the release (if it’s needed), but to also decrease the likelihood of reattachment (and subsequently needing another release). This blog is designed to walk you through what bodywork is, what it looks like, why it’s needed and how it unleashes the full potential of a tongue tie release!
Why is a tongue tie release procedure alone not enough?
There’s a great saying in the oral ties community (I say oral ties vs. tongue tie here because you can have more than just a tongue tie - there are other types of ties), “A release is not just a procedure, it’s a process.” While the procedure itself addresses the physical restriction limiting proper function, bodywork takes it a step further by addressing the underlying tension and imbalances throughout the entire body. Anytime there is a restriction in the body, other areas compensate. If you aren’t addressing the body as a whole, you aren’t truly releasing everything that contributed to the dysfunction that lead you to the release if the first place. Not only that, but you could be losing out on additional improvement that you wouldn’t see from the release alone.
What causes tension with tongue tie?
The quick and easy definition of a tongue tie is- tension under the tongue that restricts motion and inhibits function. When something isn’t functioning properly, compensations in surrounding areas occur in order to perform a necessary function. Imagine having a coworker who just simply can’t do their job adequately. Others around them then have to pick up the slack to make sure things run smoothly. This is exactly what happens with the body. Since the body is such a connected system, however, it affects the entire chain- from the top to the bottom.
Tension can occur:
Directly from the tongue tie itself
Indirectly from the compensations due to the tongue tie
Other factors that can contribute to the dysfunction:
Adults: previous injuries, poor breathing patterns/stress, positioning throughout the day, pelvic floor concerns, etc.
Babies: Check out what causes tension in babies
How is fascia involved in tongue ties and bodywork?
Fascia is a hot topic these days, but many don’t truly understand what it does or how it ties into how the body works. So, let’s do a real quick hopscotch through some body basics before we get started.
Imagine the inside of an orange. In an orange, there are little white bits that hold the bigger orange bits together. Now, imagine your body as a complex orange. You have muscles, organs, etc. (the orange’s orange bits) that are separated, yet also held together by fascia (the orange’s white bits). Fascia is woven throughout the muscles and when muscles contract, it pulls through the entire system. If there is compensation, restriction, and chronically tight areas … you bet the whole body feels it! This is why many tiny tots with oral ties have balled-up fists, c-shape torsos, difficulty with tummy time, etc. and adults struggle with chronic neck and mid-back tension, jaw pain, etc. When you move one part of your body (or are unable to move it properly), the entire system is affected. Bodywork can help “reorganize” movement patterns and improve function throughout the entire body system!
What does bodywork look like?
Chiropractic bodywork for infants is gentle and relaxing! A full body assessment provides details on areas of tension and compensation throughout the body and corrections are made through gentle movements, stretches and exercises (when age-appropriate) to help reinforce proper patterning. Medical gloves are used to assess tension within the mouth and help reduce tension in these areas as well. Parents should be provided with homework to help their baby feel more comfortable in their little body and to continue the progress made in the session. Many babies fall asleep during their session and it’s often referred to as a “spa day” by parents!
Chiropractic bodywork for adults typically incorporates specialized techniques such as myofascial work, cranial, sacro occipital technique, gentle movements, chiropractic adjustments, dry needling (if warranted) and at-home exercises to decrease tension and restore proper movement patterns. Adults have something tiny tots don’t have- years of bad habits (hello sitting at a computer and hunching over your phone), an injury history, stress and all the other fun things that come along with being an adult. When tension from these additional factors are addressed prior to a release, we can make a huge impact on the amount of relief that’s provided by a tongue tie release!
With both adults and babies, bodywork helps to release fascial restrictions, improve mobility, and restore balance and symmetry to the entire system.
Why do bodywork prior to a tongue tie release?
Bodywork helps to enhance tongue tie release results in both children and adults by working with the whole body to optimize range of motion so we are moving as freely and fully as possible heading into the release. This commonly reduces many of the symptoms and improves function (for the short term if there is truly a tie) until the underlying cause is addressed- hello release!
Why do bodywork after having a tongue tie release?
Because of their proximity and connections, restrictions caused by a tongue tie commonly create tension in the neck, jaw, shoulders and mid-back. Many adults report an immediate “release” of these areas during or immediately following a tongue tie release- HOW COOL IS THAT?! Post-frenectomy, a session or two of bodywork is HUGELY helpful in continuing to improve overall function by releasing any “left-over” tension and re-training areas when necessary. This alone can provide additional results and expand the improvement that is initially seen post-release by improving mobility and function throughout the body. Bodywork can also help reduce discomfort after a tongue tie release procedure which is why it is recommended to see a bodyworker 3-5 days after. Bodywork post- tongue tie release also helps decrease the likelihood of reattachment by ensuring:
The positioning of the head, neck, jaw and shoulders are in good “alignment”
Decreasing compensation and focusing on mobility can help to keep the muscles that attach to these areas from being in a contracted, shortened state during healing
There is full range of motion through all of the surrounding structures
This allows easier access to the mouth for aftercare (especially important for the tiny tots!)
Can bodywork take the place of a release?
While bodywork can temporarily reduce symptoms and compensations caused by a tongue tie, it cannot and will not take the place of a tongue tie release procedure. These two things work best when they work together. If there is truly a restriction causing dysfunction, any reduction of dysfunction will be short-lived since the root cause has not been addressed.
Frequently asked questions about bodywork and tongue tie release:
1. Is bodywork painful?
Bodywork for tongue tie should be gentle, though some individuals may experience mild discomfort during certain techniques. This is typically in areas like the floor of the mouth where there are chronic tension patterns. Patients typically describe this sensation as a “feel-good hurt” or “productive discomfort.” The overall goal is to promote relaxation and release tension so it is important that you communicate any discomfort with your provider! For babies, there should be NO discomfort at all and work is typically only performed when they are in a quiet, alert and relaxed state.
2. How many bodywork sessions are typically required?
The number of bodywork sessions required can vary depending on the individual's specific needs and goals. Some individuals may experience noticeable improvements after 2-3 sessions, while those with complex or more chronic concerns may require more sessions for more complex issues. Your provider should discuss this with you at the first visit.
3. When should I see a bodyworker before and after a tongue tie release?
In an ideal world, you should see a bodyworker prior to scheduling with a tongue tie release provider. Another appointment immediately prior to the release is recommended as well. Then, 3-5 days post-release is a typical recommendation. Every individual is different and unique so these are simply “typical” guidelines. You and your bodywork provider should create an individualized plan for you or your little one.
3. Who do I need to see for a tongue-tie release?
Adult tongue tie release care team: Tongue tie release provider, bodyworker and orofacial myofunctional therapist
Infant tongue tie release care team: Tongue tie release provider, bodyworker and IBCLC with additional training in oral ties
The importance of considering bodywork as part of the tongue tie release process.
Tongue tie release is a crucial step in addressing the physical restriction caused by tongue tie. However, to unlock the full potential of this procedure, it is important to consider the role of bodywork. By incorporating bodywork into the tongue tie release process, individuals can maximize the benefits and achieve their best outcomes. The path to optimal outcomes extends past the procedure alone.
A tongue tie release is not a procedure, it’s a process.
Hey there!
My name is Dr. Dani and I’m an in-home Chiropractor to busy individuals and families within the Denver Metro area. I love working with the pregnancy, postpartum and pediatric populations and strive for quality care through extended appointment times, follow-up recommendations and education so that you feel both empowered and cared for!
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