The human body is an amazing and intricate work of natural art that we will probably study for centuries to come before we ever establish a complete understanding of it. From what we do know from current research and physiologic understanding, it is all very connected.

Every organ, bone, muscle, and tissue is connected in some way to each other. Consider, now, how that connection can impact your body in a negative way.

Many are familiar with muscles and their connection to the body and movement. Yet, little is ever mentioned of its structural companion, fascia. Fascia is a thin band of connective tissue that envelopes our muscles.

It’s a protective sheath that groups together muscles of similar function and helps to distribute nerves and blood vessels.

While there are 4 layers of fascia that cover certain portions of the body, our outermost layer covers the entire body. Think of it as akin to the skin in encompassing connectivity. If you were to pinch your skin on your arm you may feel the pull or tension of that stretched skin in another area of the arm.

A tongue tie works similarly in fasical pull, as our deep front line fascia connects our tongue in one continuous band of fascia down to our toes.

It is only in the given imagery above that you can see how a tongue tie (which is restrictive or tight connective tissue band connecting the floor of the mouth to the base of the tongue) can affect breathing, posture, pelvic floor stability, and toe walking. Often a “harmless” tongue tie can be just the clinical tip of the iceberg, masking within the body various linked medical and dental problems.

Some people do claim to have miraculous feelings of relief or immediate postural improvement. While not unusual, most people do have to wait or accompany a tongue tie release with manual bodywork to assist in fascial strain release. Those pulls by fascia that is holding you together may just be holding you back from real relief.

Don’t let your tongue affect your body negatively. Have your tongue functionally assessed by a myofunctional therapist. Or, learn more about the tongue’s impact on the body, coupled with resources to guide you on your journey from tied to free with our Ultimate Guide for the Tongue Tied.

[Want a closer look at this surgically extracted deep front line with detailed explanation. Get a better view on YouTube.]

Without fail there are only two responses I get when I notify someone that they have a tongue tie:

1. No one has ever told me that before
2. My (or his/her) speech is fine

Given the general lack of information out regarding tongue ties and the linked health concerns, those answers are understandable. However, it is beyond time to break the myths and provide more centralized information that is easy to digest.

A tongue tie may very well be the biggest little thing you never knew you had as it impacts and affects many other parts of the body and is involved in an essential bodily function.

Facts

What if you don’t release

While a tongue tie can very well impact speech, I honestly list speech towards the bottom of reasons to treat a tongue tie. The tongue in it’s proper resting posture should be up against the roof of the mouth for proper breathing, development, and function. A restrictive lingual frenum (string of tissue connecting the floor of the mouth to the base of the tongue) will make proper posture difficult if not impossible. Without release and therapy to obtain proper tongue posture you are risking the possible consequences below.

THE RESOURCES

Frenectomy Tips Before They Snip

A three page guide with the four major steps you should take prior to releasing or considering releasing a tongue tie. Including why pre and post exercising is essential for optimal healing outcomes.

7 Questions You Must Ask Before Choosing A Release Provider

This resource has our list of every essential question you should have answered prior to deciding whether or not this provider is right for you. Not all release professionals are equal in tools, experience, and technique. To make an informed decision you should ask as many questions as possible. Remember, while not a major hospital stay surgery, a tongue tie release is still a surgery.

Tongue Tie Release Checklist and Questionnaire

Accompany resource to our 7 Questions, is this checklist and questionnaire. Use the questionnaire to document what your desires are when it comes to your release experience and healing. Also document the answers to the 7 questions you ask each provider you interview so you can compare responses and make the best decision.

Frequently asked questions

Our YouTube video series, Sixty Second Saturday, answered common questions in less than 60 seconds, like: Frenectomy vs. Frenuloplasty: what’s the difference and Frenectomy healing time: how long.

F.R.E.E. Your Tongue

A self-guided course of myofunctional therapy for those who are unable to work one-on-one with a myofunctional therapist prior to getting released.