Unlocking individual potential.

Advanced Therapy & Wellness Center is committed to helping patients build brighter futures through confidence and improved function. Our caring therapist provides pediatric and adult speech therapy to help clients overcome speech-language, cognitive, and feeding/swallowing disorders, as well as orofacial myofunctional disorders (tongue thrust, oral habits, TMJ issues, tongue/lip ties).

OUR SERVICES

In our approach, we acknowledge that everyone has their own individual story and come from different walks of life. For this reason, we take down in-depth background information to learn about what you have already been through in the past. Whether you've been consulted by a doctor or just heard something from a mom's group, we want to hear your concerns and instincts about your health or the health of your child. We take that information and pair it with our professional examination to get at the root of your concerns. Once we identify what is causing your struggles, we plan an individual path to help you reach YOUR best potential for the future.

Myofunctional Therapy

Many people are still unaware of the existence of Myofunctional Therapy. What is it? What does it resolve? Many times patients are looking for a natural and more holistic approach to myofunctional disorders that can affect: sleep, breathing chewing, swallowing, growth and development, behavior, school performance, and some speech issues. While the demand is present, the understanding and development of solutions still remain limited. Generally myofunctional disorders generally affect children, but it absolutely can affect adults as well. It is best that these symptoms are best approached as early as possible in a person’s life, however many patients are frustrated that these symptoms could have been resolved sooner. The goal is to be able to offer a way for parents & patients a way to seek help, find resources and to make well informed decisions on their health care goals.

Difficulty in Breastfeeding

New mothers often search for reasons why their baby struggles to breastfeed. Commonly, they consider milk supply and inverted nipples, but other factors like underdeveloped mouth structures (thin or non-existing sucking pads, tongue or lip ties, and jaw weakness) or a combination of mother and baby issues (sedentary lifestyle, breathing problems, and lack of sleep) can also affect successful breastfeeding.

Tongue, Lip, and Buccal Restrictions

Ideally, all babies should be screened for tongue, lips, and buccal ties at birth, but this is not commonly practiced. Tethered oral tissues (TOTs) can limit the range of motion of oral structures, leading to breastfeeding difficulties and improper jaw development. TOTs can cause multiple issues for both the baby and mother, including nipple problems and gastrointestinal discomfort. Surgical intervention, using laser or scalpel, can resolve ties at any time during development, but consultation with a licensed healthcare professional is essential for the decision-making process.

Importance of Therapy

Proper evaluation of oral structures and feeding functions is crucial before considering tongue/lip-tie release. Therapy with TOTs trained providers (Speech Pathologist, IBCLC, or OT) is essential both before and after the release. While pre-op care is preferred, it may not always be possible due to various factors. A speech language pathologist evaluates oral function before the procedure, and therapy prior to surgery helps release tension for optimal frenulum release. Post-surgery rehabilitation involves teaching the baby typical mouth movements. Parents should seek well-trained professionals to ensure appropriate care and create a supportive team with the baby's best interest in mind.

Team Approach

IBCLCs, feeding therapists (speech-language pathologists or occupational therapists with feeding expertise), and orofacial myofunctional therapists (speech-language pathologists or dental professionals specialized in correcting tongue positioning, oral swallowing patterns, and related processes).

CONTACT US

Our address

16009 Executive Dr.
Crest Hill, IL 60403

Hours

Monday - Thursday 8:00am - 7:00pm
Friday 8:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday by appointment only