Are you wondering why your IBCLC or dentist has recommended osteopathy for babies to help with tongue tie symptoms? If so, this post is for you.
It’s important to realise that the tongue doesn’t exist as an isolated organ. There are extensive connections to the rest of the body. All the connective tissue, ligaments, tendons, fascia and even bone in the body are directly or indirectly linked. And so movements of one part affect the rest of the body in some way. The tongue included.
Not to mention the interrelated nature of the central nervous system and the oral environment. But that’s for another post.
With a tongue tie we can expect that there will be multiple effects further afield in the body. This is where osteopathy for babies comes in. Because of the restriction in the optimal movement and function of the tongue, we can expect compensations and varying levels of tension and dysfunction.
Imagine being born with your shoelaces tied together. Bear with me. You would learn how to get around, stand up and walk, but you would need to use a lot of different muscles to compensate and achieve a semblance of a normal walk. It would be tiring. It would restrict your ability to move effectively, and you would be using muscles that aren’t necessarily made for that type or intensity of work.
It’s the same with a tongue tie.
Babies can often manage to achieve a semblance of a latch and may manage to find a way to get nourishment. But it’s not optimal – it’s tiring, not efficient and they overuse muscles that aren’t meant for that level or type of work.
A physical tongue tie restriction can’t be “osteo’d” away, unfortunately. But we can focus on the effects of the restrictions elsewhere.
Osteopathy for babies may help address the compensations and help your baby or child achieve the best possible function they can. By addressing the effects on the whole body, including the nervous system, symptomatic relief and improved function may be possible.
Our osteopaths at Coastal Osteopathy are experienced in helping babies with ties. In fact, for a few osteos here, our days are filled with the joys of treating the little ones of our community. You can be sure you are in knowledgeable and experienced hands.
Call us to find out more – 07 5659 2727
If you are considering the surgical release of the ties, read our blog post on Preparation for Tie Release.