Tethered Oral Tissues

Tongue and lip ties cause latching and suckling problems. Oftentimes these oral tissue fixations are compounded by birth trauma.

This course teaches you all about TOTS, how to understand the influence of poor oral biomechanics, how to assess the mouth and throat, and how to utilize osteopathic manual therapy to help babies overcome their barriers to health and proper oral function.

4.5 hours of con-ed learning

Course Instructor, Outline and Objectives:

Joanne Lynne is the course instructor and content creator for this course. Her accreditations are a Masters of Osteopathic Manipulative Sciences (MOMSc.), a certificate in Pediatric Craniosacral Therapy, and BSc. in Physics. She has studied Pediatric Osteopathy under Dr. Jonathan Evans, D.O. (Australia).
To review and understand the relevant anatomy and physiology of the head and neck, tongue, floor of the mouth, and throat.
To learn what tethered oral tissues are and how they are classified. Tongue and lip ties are explained.
To understand why some babies get releases done too early, or repeatedly, or unnecessarily.
To understand when surgery is warranted, what happens in a "release procedure" and to learn about complications.
To learn how a baby is prepped with stretches and oral tissue manipulation by the parent/s.
To learn what can happen when oral tissue problems don't get resolved and the impact of poor tongue resting posture and poor thrust.
To understand how biomechanical restrictions happen. How to conceptualize the uterine-lie and birth injuries that may cause dysfunction in oral and cranial tissues.
To learn how to interpret your role in a baby's oral care if the baby has had unnecessary and repeated oral tissue surgeries.
To learn what to do if you suspect a potential oral tethered tissue that may have been missed by other practitioners.

Categories of TOTS

It is extremely helpful to know the various types, categories, and stages of tethered oral tissues. Understanding how a true physical tether impacts restrictions/injuries to the head and neck from birth is invaluable. You will learn when to refer to a release provider for proper oral tissue diagnosis. You will learn how to incorporate your manual skills when the baby has already had oral surgery.

Relevant Anatomy

We all need to review our anatomy every now and then! This general review focuses on the mouth and throat and reminds us how interconnected these areas are. It is presented with the assumption that the learner has had previous thorough anatomy instruction from a reputable osteopathic program.

Treatment Principles

Osteopathic treatment principles are threaded throughout this course. Just as important, principles of thought related to what you do as a manual osteopath in relation to what care the baby is receiving from a lactation consultant or dental release provider are explained. The mystery of oral tissue problems in babies disappears and your role as an OMP becomes a lot easier with this course.

What else can this course teach me?

Osteopathy can do many things to promote good oral function. It can:

relieve biomechanical restrictions
help a baby post-operatively after a tissue release
set up the pre-op patient for optimal success and less invasive surgery
help a baby avoid unnecessary surgery

Also helpful, this course teaches you the common pre- and post-op baby care instructions that parents get. You should know what "homework" the family has had to do in the baby's mouth. This can help make your job easier.

This course also includes: