We often hear that babies are born with the ability to root (turn their head toward a touch on the cheek to find food), suck, and grasp. They are also born with a moro reflex, which is a startle response where babies throw out their arms then pull them back in, often in response to […]
Voice Therapy
Did you know you can injure your voice? *Teachers, singers, public speakers and others can strain or fatigue their voice with overuse. *Non-cancerous growths can cause friction that damages your vocal cords and related tissue. *Muscle tension in your neck and throat can make speaking painful. *Medical and neurological conditions can lead to vocal cord […]
Tethered Oral Tissue
Ties of the tongue, lip, or cheek that restrict normal movement are called tethered oral tissue (TOT). When a TOT is present, it means the connecting tissue — frenulum — is too short and/or thick to allow optimal movement. TOTs are present from birth but may be undiagnosed or mistakenly considered a normal genetic trait. […]
Growth and Play
While play and exploration are central to a child’s growth and development, it is a struggle for some children. Issues with fine or gross motor skills, sensory processing, and visual-perceptual skills can hold them back. Occupational therapy can help children develop the physical, emotional, and social skills needed to balance connection and independence in their […]
Movement/ Strength/ Balance
Many infants and children have difficulty moving their bodies the way they want to in everyday activities. This can be caused by delayed development, prematurity, injury, genetic disorder, a nerve/muscle condition, or simply a lack of coordination. Occupational therapy helps infants and children improve strength, flexibility, posture, balance and coordination so play and movement activities […]
Oral Motor Dysfunction
Weakened or uncoordinated movements of the lips, tongue, and jaw impede feeding, breathing, speaking, and more. We help patients recognize structural anomalies and strengthen muscles to gain optimal function. We partner with other healthcare providers when structural changes are recommended. Weakened or uncoordinated movements of the lips, tongue, and jaw impede feeding, breathing, speaking, and […]
