Breathing, posture, and muscular coordination might not be the first things that come to mind when we talk about sports performance. Yet, these foundational functions can make or break an athlete’s career. Myofunctional therapy for athletes, a specialised approach focused on the muscles of the face, tongue, and mouth, is emerging as a game-changer in sports health and performance. This article explores how myofunctional therapy supports athletes in breathing better, moving smarter, recovering faster, and performing longer.
What does myofunctional therapy involve?
Myofunctional therapy (MFT) involves a set of exercises that target the tongue, lips, jaw, and facial muscles. These exercises improve breathing patterns, oral posture, and functions like swallowing and chewing. Think of it as strength and conditioning—but for your face and mouth.
For athletes, these functions aren’t just biological—they directly affect physical performance. Proper tongue posture and nasal breathing help with oxygen efficiency, balance, and even injury prevention. Learn more about MFT benefits.
Breathing efficiency and sports performance
Many athletes unknowingly rely on mouth breathing, especially under exertion. But chronic mouth breathing can lead to reduced oxygen uptake, poor sleep, and increased fatigue.
Myofunctional therapy trains athletes to default to nasal breathing, improving oxygen exchange, endurance, and even mental clarity. A study by Ferreira et al. (2020) showed that orofacial myofunctional therapy improved nasal breathing in habitual mouth breathers, supporting better respiratory patterns (https://doi.org/10.52010/IJOM.2020.46.1.1). See how MFT helps correct mouth breathing.
Enhancing biomechanics and neuromuscular control
The connection between oral muscles and full-body movement is often overlooked. But neuromuscular control begins at the core—including the orofacial region. Myer et al. (2005) found that incorporating MFT into neuromuscular training improved movement mechanics and reduced ACL injury risk in female athletes (https://doi.org/10.1519/13643.1).
This shows promise for integrating MFT into strength and conditioning programmes to enhance biomechanics and motor control.
Posture and balance: foundational athletic traits
Tongue position and jaw alignment can affect head posture, which in turn influences spinal alignment and balance. Athletes in sports requiring agility and coordination, such as basketball or gymnastics, benefit significantly from improved postural control.
Asadi and Arazi (2018) observed a correlation between postural performance and orofacial training interventions in young athletes (https://doi.org/10.5232/RICYDE2018.05201). While research is still growing, early findings support MFT’s role in refining balance and stability. Explore how tongue posture supports better balance and speech.
Sleep, focus and performance longevity
Sleep is essential for recovery, muscle repair, and mental clarity. Athletes with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) or poor sleep hygiene often see declines in training adaptation and performance.
Felício et al. (2018) demonstrated that MFT reduced symptoms of OSA, especially when combined with other treatments. Improvements in sleep quality can enhance daytime energy and mental focus—crucial for high-level competition (https://doi.org/10.2147/nss.s141132). Learn more about sleep disorders and breathing.
Additionally, Azzahra et al. (2023) found that MFT may help regulate the nervous system, reducing anxiety and mental fatigue (https://doi.org/10.62255/mjhp.v2i2.139).
Preventing orofacial sports injuries
While helmets and mouthguards are key for protection, MFT plays a proactive role. By improving jaw alignment and oral muscle tone, it reduces the risk of injuries like bruxism-related strain, jaw locking, and tension headaches.
Benkert (1997) found that athletes with better oral posture are less likely to clench under pressure, potentially preventing TMJ issues and improving compliance with protective gear (https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.1997.23.1.6). See how we treat TMJ disorders.
Swallowing efficiency and chewing function affect digestion, nutrient absorption, and hydration. These fundamental processes directly impact how well athletes can convert food into usable energy, repair tissue, and stay hydrated. Even minor dysfunctions in oral muscle control can compromise chewing patterns or lead to air swallowing, which interferes with digestion and causes bloating or discomfort during training or competition.
Myofunctional therapy ensures that athletes chew food properly, breathe through the nose while eating, and coordinate swallowing in a way that supports digestive health and efficient nutrient use. Athletes who train intensively often rely on timed meals and rapid recovery fuelling windows—making oral motor control even more critical.
Carrasco-Llatas et al. (2021) highlighted that MFT can optimise swallowing and respiratory coordination, which are critical when timing meals around performance (https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147291).
In endurance and weight-category sports, proper digestion and nutrient delivery play a role not just in performance but also in meeting body composition goals and recovery targets. MFT can help athletes avoid common issues such as gulping air, fast chewing, or habitual mouth breathing during meals.
If an athlete struggles with frequent stomach upset, low appetite, or sluggish recovery, it may be worth assessing their orofacial function. Addressing these issues with MFT can improve food tolerance, optimise pre- and post-exercise fuelling, and support a sustainable nutrition strategy throughout a training cycle. Explore manual therapy support for swallowing.
Integrating MFT into training and rehab programmes
MFT works best as part of a holistic athlete care model. Collaboration between myofunctional therapists, physios, strength coaches, and nutritionists ensures a rounded approach.
Signs an athlete might benefit from MFT:
- Chronic mouth breathing
- Poor sleep quality
- Snoring or daytime fatigue
- Jaw pain or clenching
- Recurrent injuries or postural imbalance
Athletes can also try self-checks or use tools like Myotape to encourage better breathing habits.
Integrating MFT into athletic training programmes
Rather than being a standalone intervention, myofunctional therapy can be built into broader athlete training and rehabilitation plans. A standard protocol typically includes 12 to 15 guided sessions with tailored home exercises over a 3-month period. These involve:
- Tongue and lip resistance exercises
- Breath hold and exhale timing drills
- Posture alignment with diaphragmatic breathing
- Night-time nasal breathing support (e.g. Myotape)
Digital tools and remote coaching make it easier for athletes to stick to daily practice alongside strength, endurance, and recovery routines.
MFT and sleep-disordered breathing in athletes
Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a silent barrier to athletic performance. Issues like obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) reduce sleep quality and lead to poor recovery.
Ng et al. (2025) presented a compelling case study where an adult patient with severe OSA achieved full resolution following a combination of MFT and tongue-tie surgery (aadsm.org). This highlights the importance of airway assessment in sports—particularly for athletes with unexplained fatigue or plateaued performance.
Additional practices that enhance MFT
Techniques like nasal humming can further support sinus drainage and nitric oxide production—boosting the benefits of myofunctional training. Discover the benefits of humming.
Conclusion
Myofunctional therapy offers a powerful yet underutilised approach to athletic health and performance. From boosting breathing efficiency to preventing injury and supporting recovery, MFT has far-reaching benefits.
If you’re an athlete, coach, or parent, consider booking a session with a certified myofunctional therapist to explore how these techniques could enhance your training, performance, and well-being.
FAQ
If you’re new to myofunctional therapy or wondering how it applies to athletic training, these frequently asked questions are a great place to start. We’ve compiled the most common queries from athletes, coaches, and parents looking to understand how this unique therapy can support breathing, recovery, posture, and overall performance.
What is myofunctional therapy and how does it help athletes?
Myofunctional therapy is a programme of targeted exercises that train the muscles of the mouth, face, and tongue. For athletes, these exercises help improve nasal breathing, oral posture, and jaw function—critical areas that influence oxygen intake, muscle tension, balance, and recovery. By addressing these foundational systems, athletes can experience gains in endurance, coordination, and overall performance.
Can myofunctional therapy help with sports performance?
Yes, myofunctional therapy can be a valuable tool for enhancing sports performance. By encouraging nasal breathing, it improves oxygen delivery during training and competition. It also supports better sleep, which is vital for recovery and mental sharpness. Postural alignment benefits from proper oral muscle function, reducing compensations and injuries. Combined, these effects help athletes perform at their best more consistently.
Is myofunctional therapy useful for injury prevention in sport?
Absolutely. Poor oral posture and dysfunctional breathing are linked to imbalances that can contribute to sports injuries, especially those involving the head, neck, and lower limbs. Myofunctional therapy can support neuromuscular control and reduce strain on the jaw and upper body, which may lower the risk of repetitive strain injuries and improve dynamic stability.
How do I know if I need myofunctional therapy?
If you often breathe through your mouth, clench your jaw, experience poor sleep, or have recurring injuries, myofunctional therapy might help. It’s particularly useful for athletes with sleep-disordered breathing, TMJ issues, or postural imbalances. A simple assessment by a trained therapist can identify dysfunctions and provide personalised exercises to support your performance and health.
References
- Myer, G. et al. (2005). Neuromuscular Training Improves Performance and Lower-Extremity Biomechanics in Female Athletes. https://doi.org/10.1519/13643.1
- Felício, C. et al. (2018). Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Focus on Myofunctional Therapy. https://doi.org/10.2147/nss.s141132
- Ferreira, L. et al. (2020). Clinical and Surface Electromyography Evaluation Pre and Post Orofacial Myology Therapy. https://doi.org/10.52010/IJOM.2020.46.1.1
- Asadi, A. & Arazi, H. (2018). Relationship Between Test of Postural Control and Strength and Ability Tests in Basketball Players. https://doi.org/10.5232/RICYDE2018.05201
- Carrasco-Llatas, M. et al. (2021). The Role of Myofunctional Therapy in Treating Sleep-Disordered Breathing. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18147291
- Azzahra, N. et al. (2023). Integrating Sports Psychiatry into Routine Athletic Care. https://doi.org/10.62255/mjhp.v2i2.139
- Benkert, K. (1997). The Effectiveness of Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy in Improving Dental Occlusion. https://doi.org/10.52010/ijom.1997.23.1.6
