BALLOON

Myofunktional Exercise  Collection

Application:

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This exercise may be worked out in very differentiated ways. Stretch-extending respectively strengthening of the "Ballooncover" (see Anatomy, page 10), of the outer orofacial tissues correcting spastic problems, hypertension, cheek pressing and –biting. Function training of the velum musculature, of the buccinator (see Anatomy, page 05) or the rostral constrictors (Orbicularis, Anatomy, page 05).

Contents:

Tissue stretching by quasi passive extending by airpressure or by additional manipulation with a combined  effect on the correct  closing of the lips and velum palatinum (see comment on the different modi in paragraph “Discussion”).

Materials:

Air pressure, fingers.

Procedure:

- Previous exercises:: ,M'-POSITION, generally LIP-CLOSURE

-Ausgangshaltung: ,M'-POSITION

- Step-by-step-Description:

-1 In certain cases molars in slight contact, thinking:  

  "I am an air balloon."

-2 Raise air pressure in the oral cavity out of the lungs to a maximum

  not allowing any air pass trough the lips.  Feel  the drag in cheek muscles.

-3 Hold pressure under constant calm nose breathing and counting to a given number.

-4 back to  ,M'-POSITION

-Timing: Set as a triple sequency with the approach of a steadily raising of the pressure, or:

-3a Increase of the exercise efficiency by manipulation:

Bilaterally the finger tips are positioned on the cheeks while apply; resulting in an increase of the hold-tension within the velum and Orbicularis musculature, or

-3b practising of the velum closure via nasal cavity (Levator veli) – Keeping the air pressure from the lungs up without letting air pass through the nose.

-3c While breathing through the nose tenseniung of the cheeks as if trying to blow up a rubber air balloon applying all one’s energyies.

- Timing: The position is held while counting about as to ten to form one sequence.

Characteristics:

Remarks:

As this exercise , as mentioned, through the special ways of practicing is representing a whole bunch of peculiarities under minimal modification in its carry-out there should be a strict control of the correct particular carry-out of the single training modes as the effect may easily lead to quite the opposite effect.

Discussion:

For an introduction to the exercise the patient may be asked to imagine his mouth being, now, an air balloon. The most simple way of practicing thought as for stretching the textures with cheek biting may furthermore be carried out in the different modes lined up above.

In the first case of a stretching mode it should be observed the musculature of the stretched textures not being strained after blowing up the mouth.  Doing so would provide quite a different target for the training (see   3c) leading to a tone increase of the cheek muscles. To achieve that the air pressure in the mouth hole has to be raised by increasing the tension in the cheek musculature and keeping the position for a certain time. Thus the exercise is turned into a strengthening work-out for the buccinators. It will be the same with an existing incompetent velum or mouth slit closure or for especially stretching upper or lower lip in the frontal vestibulum. In the latter case only this frontal or rostral vestibulum will be blown up (in this context see TONOMETER EXERCISES). Additionally, in a way of a kinetic exercise  training may be carried out by filling up the space behind upper or lower lip (alternately) or only one space is targeted in the sense of an aimed static exercise. Under these conditions we may distinguish between two training modi which, then, may be combined to forming a CHANGING EXERCISE. In this way the practicing with filling up the spaces with air may be prescribed for the front, the sides, left or right alternately static or kinetic (see TEETHRINSING). In case of a special indication the exercise may be prescribed as a UNILATERAL EXERCISE and is, furthermore, suitable as a  HABITUATING exercise in the training before going to sleep as well in case of cheek biting as in respect of its effect upon the pharyngx musculature  under respiratory tract problems as snoring or sleep-apnoe.

With this special indication we have to invision the two different training modi as already mentioned in the description. Are we blowing up the balloon from the lungs similar as with the exercise  TRUMBONE the nose hole is shut off by the velum training the levator muscle. Are we going to train under breathing on through the nose it will work upon the levator. Are we conducting the exercise by breathing on through the nose it is going to work upon the tensor of the velum while the mouth hole stays shut.

The different modes of carry-out may be supervised with the Tonometer (see  TONOMETER EXERCISES).

Furthermore this exercise may be carried out as a manipulated exercise under the application of appliances (toy balloons) then being the TOY-BALLOON (see below):

This exercise is practiced  with a balloon as used on children birthday parties. The balloon is kept between the lips (mostly with the fingers helping) and pumped up out of the lungs. In a certain state of  pressure tension, which is, regrettably, not measurable the oral cavity is closed against the pharynx by the velum and this position maintained for some time.

As a respiratory tract exercise this is quite motivating through its playful element. As with all MANIPULATION EXERCISES this version should rather be replaced by the here discussed functional exercise without application of devices.

The difference compared to the BALLOON or the TONOMETER EXERCISES lies in the fact that the musculature is occupied quasi isodynamically by the resilience of the rubber coat of the toy-balloon and, thus does not only keep the own pressure but, additionally, compensate that counter-pressure of the rubber. /See also Susanne BALLOVENT Codoni und Ulrike Hörstel, www.scodoni.ch/persoballo.php )