Services · Louisville, Kentucky
Tongue-Tie Support (Pre / Post Frenectomy).
Coordinated therapy around tongue-tie release (frenectomy). The pre-release phase prepares the tongue and surrounding muscles so the release procedure has the best chance of producing full functional change. The post-release phase retrains the tongue to use its new range of motion — without it, the release often has limited lasting effect.
Reviewed by Gina Sabbak, RDH. Last reviewed .
Who it's for
This service is designed for:
Infants, children, or adults with symptomatic tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) whose release provider has recommended myofunctional therapy
Patients who have already had a release but are still experiencing symptoms (the release didn't "take")
Families seeking a coordinated team approach: release provider + myofunctional therapist + (often) lactation consultant or SLP
How it works
What to expect.
Why therapy matters around a release
A frenectomy cuts the tissue restriction. It does not, on its own, retrain the tongue to use its new range of motion. Without therapy, many patients see only partial improvement because the tongue has been compensating for so long that it doesn't know how to use the new freedom.
Pre-release phase
Usually 2–4 weeks. The goal is to establish the resting tongue posture, build awareness of where the tongue should sit, and prepare the surrounding muscles. Going into the release with a clear pattern in mind helps the tongue re-pattern quickly afterward.
Post-release phase
Usually 6–12 weeks of focused therapy. Exercises are gentle — designed for the healing tissue — and focus on using the new range of motion. We also work on the related patterns (swallow, breathing, lip seal) that the tongue-tie was affecting.
Coordination with your release provider
We work directly with your release provider (ENT, dentist, or other qualified practitioner) to time therapy around the procedure and share progress notes. The team approach is what makes the difference between a release that "works" and one that doesn't.
Related reading
This service is commonly used for
- Tongue-tie (ankyloglossia)
How this condition typically presents and the patterns we address.
→ Related article: Adult tongue-tie release: what I wish I'd known - Swallowing difficulties
How this condition typically presents and the patterns we address.
→ Related article: What is myofunctional therapy, really? - Mouth breathing
How this condition typically presents and the patterns we address.
→ Related article: Mouth breathing in children: why it matters - Open bite
How this condition typically presents and the patterns we address.
→ Related article: Mouth breathing in children: why it matters - Dental crowding / relapse
How this condition typically presents and the patterns we address.
→ Related article: What is myofunctional therapy, really? - All services
The complete set of myofunctional therapy services we offer.
- Book an evaluation
60-minute in-person assessment of oral posture, swallow, and breathing.
Common questions about tongue-tie support (pre / post frenectomy)
- Do I need a referral to start?
- If you've already been diagnosed with tongue-tie and have a release planned or scheduled, you can start pre-release therapy immediately. If you haven't been evaluated yet, start with our Comprehensive Myofunctional Evaluation.
- How soon after the release can therapy start?
- Most release providers want therapy to resume within 24–72 hours after the procedure. We adjust the exercises for healing tissue and ramp up gradually.
- My child had a tongue-tie release but didn't improve. Can therapy still help?
- Yes. Many patients come to us months or years after a release because symptoms persist. Therapy can re-pattern the tongue and address the compensatory patterns that developed.
- Does myofunctional therapy replace the need for a release?
- For some mild tongue-ties, therapy alone may provide enough functional improvement. For more significant restrictions, a release plus therapy produces the best result. We'll discuss what's right for your situation at the evaluation.
What patients say
Real reviews from patients of 502 MYO, moderated by Gina personally.
Gina is amazing! I stopped snoring and sleep more every night!
Ready to begin?
The first visit is 60 minutes. Call (502) 901-8089 or request an appointment online.
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