The Myo Program
Welcome to the Myo Program! The myo program is a structured therapy program designed to address the many complications associated with a tongue thrust. These complications include, but are not limited to: temporomandibular joint disorder, sleep apnea, malocclusion, picking eating secondary to underdeveloped chewing/swallowing and gag reflex, and articulation disorders (lisp/vocalic r/interdenalization of sounds).
The therapy program follows a hierarchy which requires mastery of different skills compounded by motor planning deficits, foreshortened lingual/labial frenum, jaw instability, decreased dietary repertoire (impacting nutrition), and by the type of sound and sound disorder that a patient may be presenting with.
Course of Treatment
A Myofunctional therapy program is based on routine therapy two times per week and a minimum practice of three times per day. Any inconsistencies in treatment attendance or practice will interfere with the duration of the program and will most likely extend it’s course. The Myofunctional therapy program is approximately 9 months to 1 year. However, any of the aforementioned compounding conditions or inconsistencies with treatment or practice can result in a longer course of therapy.
Re-Evaluations
Re-evaluation of a patient’s overall skills is conducted on a regular basis and success at each re-evaluation will allow for movement forward along the hierarchy. Re-evaluation criteria are defined and submitted for approval prior to scheduling a re-evaluation appointment. Once a patient is approved for re-evaluation it is beneficial to schedule the re-evaluation as soon as possible so that a continuity of care can be established. Re-evaluation appointments are not always held in the patient’s home office and may require travel to one of our other Nassau/Suffolk locations. There are a minimum of 4 re-evaluations during the course of the therapy regiment and a minimum of 5 re-evaluations once therapy is discontinued and skills are mastered. This helps detect any regression and intervene immediately.
About Janine Stiene
Janine Stiene, Speech-Language Pathologist, is owner and operator of the Suffolk Center for Speech and Myofunctional Therapy. Along with her exceptional group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island and Queens, specializing in: PROMPT, Myofunctional Therapy, Voice Disorders, Fluency, Augmentative Communications, Articulation, Auditory Processing Disorders, and Expressive/Receptive Language Disorders (adults and children). Also offered is Feeding Therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions. There are 7 affiliated offices across Long Island, all participating with most major health insurance companies and offering flexible hours and scheduling; including evenings and Saturdays.