TONGUE STORY

Myofunktional Exercise  Collection

Application:

http://www.dorksandlosers.com/2010/02/18/linus-on-being-aware-of-his-tongue-peanuts-02-07-2010/

The TONGUE STORY is, similar to the DRIVERS SEAT, no myofunctional exercise (with this: Annotation about the Motivation Concept in paragraph “Discussion” and  “Instructions”.) It should demonstrate the necessity to our small patients to adjust the unbalanced motor functions of the mouth. Therefore it should be positioned before or at the beginning of therapy.

It has been proved valuable to hold this conversation “with the public excluded”.

Contents:

Argumentation backing in the first interview for the work-out of a start motivation (see “Discussion”).

Materials:

Hand mirror, photos, demonstration material.

Procedure:

The TONGUE STORY mainly serves for the start motivation (See also: Thiele, E.: Myofunktionelle Therapie in der Anwendung; Heidelberg 1992, Hüthig Buch Verlag,, ISBN 3830401841, Vol. II.) Arranged in the first interview it will be recited to the patient supported by a demonstration on the reflection in the hand-mirror or by photos from the instant or digital camera and by jaw plaster models.

-Timing: It is, as mentioned, practical to position the TONGUE STORY in the initial phase of therapy. If, later on, required parts of it may be recited.

Characteristics:

Motivation, Information.

Remarks:

The TONGUE STORY is, in itself, quite negatively charged. You should differentiate concerning the emotional liability of the patient.

Discussion:

As described in the earlier published volumes, the Myofunctional Therapy will be realized easier when concept supported. Such a concept consists in equal parts of myofunctional exercises and motivation approaches. Often a training method combines the two components in itself, some emphasize the muscular work-out, some concentrate on the motivational side, as the here discussed one. The latter, employed solely, do not have great benefit and therefore serve as constituents of a concept. Start motivation: A treatment concept is put together out of two parts, the drafted arrangement of the myofunctional exercises and the motivation concept. The latter is assembled of three elements, the start motivation in the beginning, the continuity motivation during therapy and the follow-up motivation to maintain the success gained. The start motivation on its part contains three criteria for the launching of the therapy:

Recognition of the disorder / Desire for a change of state /  acceptance of therapy (see also Comic by Charles M. Schulz on the Web: Linus On Being Aware Of His Tongue http://www.dorksandlosers.com/2010/02/18/linus-on-being-aware-of-his-tongue-peanuts-02-07-2010/ ). In our case we want to trace details for making them accessible for the patient, later on (see also 045).

Instructions:

“Didn’t your friend sometimes tell you that your teeth are nearly looking like Dracula?

Funny as they sit.

Or that you are fairly not able to understand what you say. That you continually have to ask “pardon”?  And that you need an umbrella when standing in front of you while you speak? (As small spit droplets come out of your mouth together with the words).

And, that you need to drink when eating, that you frequently choke over your food and are ready with eating last. And that afterwards always air wants to come up again out of your stomach which you have swallowed – burp! May be quite some fun to burp – sometimes. Mostly rather disgusting!

Doesn’t your poor tongue hurt some times? It will of course! Because you do not help it to stay fit, to train its muscles. You are just using as a doormat for your teeth. It lies down there at the bottom of the mouth with drooping back and serves for the teeth and all that comes into your mouth as a shoe scraper, always full of jumble. And you really have to worry that the teeth do not trudge on it.

We really have to get that better! Your tongue only needs some training for its muscles like a sportsman. Just let’s put some exercises together to let you make your tongue fit. I am your coach and will assist you with that. And afterwards, you will see, everything will be improved. The teeth do no more grow crooked, the lips do not tear. Your speech will become really clear and understandable without your spitting when talking. And you will eat without choking or burping or being too slow or needing to drink simultaneously.

You will look just better – if you are exercising your tongue properly.

You will find further explanations about that under the heading ‘Driving Seat’ where you can read how the tongue operates the whole mouth.