The Importance of Pre- and Post-Release Therapy for Babies with Tongue Ties

As a parent, your child's health and happiness are your top priority, and you’re always seeking ways to support their growth and development. If your baby has been diagnosed with a tongue tie (ankyloglossia), you may be considering a frenectomy procedure to improve their oral function. While the frenectomy itself is quick and minimally invasive, therapy before and after the procedure is crucial for ensuring the best possible outcome. This article explains why pre-release therapy is just as important as post-release therapy, and how both can make a significant difference in your baby’s healing process and overall development.

Understanding Tongue Tie and Frenectomy

A tongue tie occurs when the frenulum—the tissue that connects the bottom of the tongue to the floor of the mouth—is too tight, limiting tongue movement. This condition can cause difficulties with breastfeeding, airway function, gastrointestinal discomfort, and speech development. If left untreated, it can impact a baby’s ability to feed effectively, causing frustration for both the baby and the parents.

A frenectomy is a surgical procedure that releases the frenulum, allowing for improved tongue mobility and function. While the procedure is straightforward, ensuring proper care before and after the surgery plays a critical role in achieving the best results. Let's explore why pre-release therapy is so important in maximizing the benefits of a frenectomy.

Why Pre-Release Therapy Matters

Pre-release therapy is an essential step in preparing your baby for the frenectomy procedure. Much like stretching before a workout, therapy helps prepare the body, increases mobility, and reduces the risk of complications. By addressing issues like oral motor skills, muscle tension, and body posture before the procedure, babies are more likely to experience a smoother recovery and better long-term outcomes.

Here are five key reasons why pre-release therapy should not be overlooked:

1. Prepares the Body for the Procedure

Just as warming up helps an athlete perform better, pre-release therapy helps your baby’s body become more relaxed and prepared for the frenectomy. Skilled therapists work to alleviate tension in the oral muscles and surrounding tissues, ensuring that the body is in optimal condition for the procedure. This preparation makes the post-surgical recovery smoother and faster.

2. Reduces the Risk of Complications

Babies who receive pre-release therapy are less likely to face complications during or after the frenectomy. By reducing muscle tension and improving movement patterns, the procedure is more likely to be successful. Without pre-release therapy, there’s a higher chance that the release might not result in significant improvement, or the baby’s symptoms may worsen.

3. Enhances Comfort and Reduces Stress

A major part of pre-release therapy is familiarizing babies with having their mouth and face touched. Babies with tongue ties often experience discomfort or stress when their mouths are handled. Through therapy, babies can become accustomed to this sensation, helping to reduce anxiety before and after the procedure. A calm baby is more likely to have a positive experience and recover quickly.

4. Speeds Up Recovery

Therapy before the frenectomy can help address muscle imbalances and tension, which allows babies to heal more quickly post-surgery. Babies who undergo pre-release therapy often experience faster recovery and show significant improvements in tongue mobility, feeding ability, and overall function.

5. Promotes Long-Term Success

Studies show that babies who undergo pre-release therapy tend to have better long-term outcomes. By preparing the oral muscles for the release, your baby is more likely to maintain the improvements gained from the frenectomy. This ensures that feeding, speech development, and overall mouth function progress over time.

Post-Release Therapy: Ensuring Optimal Function

While pre-release therapy is vital, post-release therapy is just as important. After the frenectomy, therapy helps retrain and strengthen the muscles affected by the tongue tie. The focus during post-release therapy is to improve tongue mobility, coordination, and oral motor skills, which are crucial for a full recovery. Without post-release therapy, there is a risk of the frenulum reattaching or new restrictions forming, preventing your baby from fully benefiting from the procedure.

The Power of Pre- and Post-Release Therapy

When a baby receives pre-release and post-release therapy, the results are often remarkable. Therapy ensures that the body is prepared, that muscle tension is alleviated, and that new movement patterns are reinforced. Parents can expect faster recovery, better functional outcomes, and a more comfortable, positive experience for their little one.

If your baby is facing challenges with a tongue tie and you are considering a frenectomy, remember that therapy is a crucial part of the process. With the right preparation and follow-up care, you can ensure that your baby’s treatment is successful, setting them up for optimal development and well-being.

The Importance of Timing and Collaboration

Timing is essential when it comes to the frenectomy process. It’s important to evaluate your baby’s individual needs and work with a team of professionals, including pediatric physical therapists, occupational therapists, pediatric dentists, pediatricians, and lactation consultants. This collaborative approach helps determine the right time for the procedure and ensures that your baby receives the best care possible.

Key Takeaways:

• Pre-release therapy prepares your baby’s body for the frenectomy procedure, reducing muscle tension and improving mobility.

• Post-release therapy helps retrain the muscles affected by the tongue tie, ensuring a full recovery and preventing the reattachment of the frenulum.

• Collaborating with a team of specialists and creating a personalized therapy plan ensures that your baby receives the best possible care before and after the procedure.

Written by: Dr. Marisa Milavetz

Customized Care for Your Baby’s Development

At Strive Pediatrics, we provide personalized care tailored to your baby’s needs through specialized oral motor work, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and developmental play. Our expert team offers comprehensive pre- and post-frenectomy support, both in-person in Austin and virtually across Texas, to help your baby thrive, reach milestones, and achieve optimal oral health.

If you’re navigating tongue tie or feeding challenges, investing in pre- and post-release therapy ensures your baby receives the best foundation for healthy feeding and long-term oral development. Contact us to learn how our expert team can support your baby’s success!