ראייה רב מערכתית בטיפול בליקויים בתפקוד שרירי הפה והפנים: תרומת קלינאי התקשורת

In recent years there has been a growing interest in Orofacial Myofunctional Disorders (OMD) among children, adolescents and adults. OMD may interfere with growth and development of the bones and the musculature of the face and mouth. Difficulties with the function of the orofacial musculature may interfere with the use of these muscles during everyday functions, swallowing, chewing, speech and breathing pattern. OMD may appear with birth (and even earlier) and require early intervention, assessment and treatment during different phases of a person’s life. Speech language pathologists have a major role in recognizing, assessing and treating OMD as a part of a multi-disciplinary team which may include lactation consultants, dentists, orthodontists, physical therapists etc. In this literature review we describe aspects that affect the function of the orofacial complex and are being affected by it. These aspects include breastfeeding, tongue tie, breathing pattern and sleep disordered breathing, chewing and swallowing pattern, articulation disorders, body posture and oral habits. The connections between the orofacial system and the whole body’s structure and function are being described. We review recent research regarding OMD and the speech language pathologist’s role in evaluating and treating them. The purpose of this literature review is to promote speech language pathologist’s knowledge in the broad field of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT).