Is it Tongue-Tie or Body Tension?

“Tongue-tie” is part of a midline defect in the fascia of the dural tube that happens early in embryonic development. Tongue-Tie is the most common symptom that we observe of this mid-line tension because it’s the earliest & most evident sign of this tension in babies. Rarely is “tongue-tie” the sole cause and rarely does treating tongue-tie alone, resolve the following issues:

Body Tension throughout the head, neck, and body can look like:

• C-curve to the body
• Torticollis or preference to turning the head to one side
• Back arching & stiffness in the body
• Tucked lips when feeding
• Recessed jaw
• Misshapen Head

In the world of pediatric medicine the Gold Standard of care is starting with the lowest level of intervention first. CranioSacral Therapy is gentle & non-invasive with profound results.  We believe that releasing oral tension & cranial nerve impingements first, will improve the immediate outcomes of oral releases and in some cases, mitigate the need all together. 

For some babies, the tongue-tie release works like magic and they are able to eat more easily, immediately. Some babies struggle more after the release. When we resolve body tension & Cranial Nerve Impingements prior to the release, we see less instances when babies struggle more after the release

When the bones inside the head and mouth are not aligned properly, they can pinch & compress Cranial nerves that control movement and function of the tongue.

How do I know if it’s a Cranial Nerve Impingement or Tongue-Tie?

Symptoms of Cranial Impingement

• Uncoordinated Suck
• Chomping at the breast
• Can’t seem to find the nipple and latch while at breast
• Tongue Thrusting
• Strong Gag Reflux
• Becomes upset & overstimulated when they try to latch
• Falling asleep after a few sucks
• Tongue can’t elevate to the roof of the mouth or extend past the lips
• Tongue pulls to one side of the mouth
• Back Arching & Crying at the breast

For babies who are experiencing signs of Cranial Nerve Impingement, receiving CranioSacral Therapy prior to an oral release will improve the immediate outcome of the release.

For Families Planning a Tongue-Tie Release:

We recommend 1-2 sessions prior to the release procedures & 1-2 sessions afterwards, as needed.  Babies are much more willing to receive mouth work prior to oral release & wound care procedures.

Care from your Pediatric Dentist and Lactation Consultant is a comprehensive approach to addressing all of the contributing factors impacting a baby’s ability to nurse.

Amanda Glenn has specialized in infants with feeding challenges for over 10 years. Heather Wright is a Lactation Consultant who is certified in Infant CranioSacral Therapy and specializes in oral assessment & habilitation.

We are here to help you, guide you and care for you and your precious baby.

We have broken each therapy in several categories to help understand each:

We do not accept insurance, however we do accept HSA payments.

We do accept insurance for our Lactation Consult through The Lactation Network. Heather, our Lactation Expert also integrates CranioSacral Therapy into her Lactation Consults for families who are interested in both services.

Check your coverage with TLN