Tongue Tie Therapy in Colorado: Finding the Right Provider

A tongue tie — medically known as ankyloglossia — involves a frenulum that restricts tongue movement. Releasing the frenulum through a frenectomy addresses the structural restriction. But the tongue still needs to learn how to function in its new range of motion. That is the role of orofacial myofunctional therapy.

Think of it this way: a frenectomy is like knee surgery. The structural problem is corrected, but without physical rehabilitation, the outcomes are limited. In tongue tie care, myofunctional therapy is the rehabilitation. Without it, the wound can scar, the tongue may not develop proper resting posture, and compensatory patterns often persist.

When looking for a myofunctional therapist in Colorado, look for someone who specializes in orofacial myofunctional disorders — not just a speech therapist or dental hygienist who has completed a brief course. The therapist should conduct a full functional assessment of tongue mobility, resting posture, swallowing, and breathing patterns, not just a visual check of the frenulum.

They should also have established relationships with release providers in Colorado, because coordinating the timing of therapy around a frenectomy is important. Pre-release therapy prepares the tongue. Post-release therapy ensures healing and function. A therapist who works in isolation from the release provider is missing half the picture.

Frenectomies in Colorado are performed by a range of providers including pediatric dentists, oral surgeons, lactation-supportive dentists, and ENTs. The method varies — CO2 laser is the most common for soft tissue releases due to its precision and reduced bleeding — but the provider's experience with functional assessment and their willingness to collaborate with a myofunctional therapist matters just as much as the technique.

We work closely with release providers across the Denver metro area and can provide a referral if you haven't yet identified a provider. Our goal is to make sure the timing and coordination between therapy and release is right for your specific situation.

Starting myofunctional therapy before a frenectomy gives the tongue a head start. Exercises focus on building as much strength, coordination, and range of motion as possible within the existing restriction. This means the tongue is stronger and better prepared to use its new freedom immediately after the release.

Pre-release therapy also helps the therapist and patient identify related issues — like low tongue posture, mouth breathing, or swallow dysfunction — that will need to be addressed in the post-release phase. For Colorado families traveling from outside the Denver area for a release, completing pre-release therapy first helps ensure the procedure happens at the right time.

The weeks following a frenectomy are critical. Wound care stretches must be performed consistently to prevent reattachment as the tissue heals. Myofunctional exercises during this phase introduce new movement patterns and train the tongue into correct resting posture on the palate.

Without post-release therapy, reattachment is common, compensatory swallowing patterns persist, and the functional improvements patients hoped for often fail to materialize. With consistent therapy, most Colorado patients see meaningful and lasting improvements in breathing, swallowing, feeding, sleep, and speech.

On The Spot OMT serves patients throughout Colorado from our two locations — in Denver at 2121 S Oneida St Suite 521, and in Wheat Ridge at 3000 Youngfield St Suite 263. We work with infants, children, teens, and adults at every stage of the tongue tie process, whether you are just beginning to investigate a possible restriction or are weeks away from a scheduled release.

Virtual sessions are also available for follow-up appointments and for patients in Colorado who live outside the Denver metro and are unable to travel frequently. We are happy to coordinate care with your local providers wherever you are in the state.