TOTs Explained – Tongue Tie, Lip Tie, Cheek TieTOTs (tethered oral tissue) refers to a fascial restriction that can cause tension in the mouth, skull, body or neck. It can be located under the tongue, in the cheeks, and/or under the lips. TOTs can negatively affect breastfeeding and bottle feeding, chewing and swallowing, speech, sleep, breathing and body movement or posture. There are many symptoms of TOTs and not every child will have the same symptoms.
Infants can present with poor feeding, breast or bottle, lack of weight gain, reflux, excessive gas, constipation, mouth breathing, torticollis (persistent head tilt to one side), favoring a side to look at or lay on, misshapen head and colic. Some infants will fail to meet developmental milestones such as sitting up, rolling over, or crawling on all fours when a tethered oral restriction is present.
Toddlers and older children can present with speech delays or articulation problems, developmental milestone delays, headaches, neck pain, reflux, gagging, choking or spitting up food, texture sensitivities, digestive disorders, mouth breathing or poor sleep.
Tethered oral tissue creates a body imbalance which can create a brain imbalance. Starting from week 10 in utero, a newborn with TOT is swallowing with restrictions. Tethered Oral Tissue chiropractic adjustment bodywork is to create an environment that is functioning at its optimal level pre-release and post release.
Chiropractic adjustments (bodywork) for TOTs is a hands-on touch therapy to relieve tension in the child’s soft tissues which strengthens and lengthens the muscles especially those associated with breathing and feeding. Slow gentle movements across the child’s body helps soft tissues to release tension and reorganize. Chiropractic adjustments (bodywork) may include the head, neck, shoulders, trunk, hips, feet and work with alignment. Chiropractic adjustments (bodywork) also helps support neurological integration, the process by which a baby learns to control and move their body.
All of the issues that chiropractic adjustments (bodywork) can fix can be symptoms for tongue-tied children – particularly breathing and eating. Chiropractic adjustments (bodywork) can help to ameliorate the negative effects of TOTs. Facia connects the body from head to toe and tension in the mouth from a tongue tie, lip tie, or cheek tie creates tension elsewhere in the body. Chiropractic adjustments (bodywork) can release the tension to support healing.
I recently started chiropractic care and I’m thrilled with the results! The team here is incredibly knowledgeable and caring. Not only have they alleviated my pain, but they’ve also provided me with exercises and tips to maintain a healthy posture. I highly recommend their services to anyone seeking holistic and effective care.
I got to know Dr. Melissa when I wanted a chiropractor for my second pregnancy in 2016 who follows Webster method. The moment I saw she was so warm and compassionate towards me and supported me everyway to make this pregnancy smooth as I wanted a VBAC! She used to give me advices and print outs of holistic approach of how to help me sail my pregnancy smoothly (I got to know her during my 34 weeks wish had known her before!!). Post delivery she saw my baby when she was just a week old and she was so gentle, compassionate towards her that my baby loved her so much and she was colic free baby!! Dr. Melissa is great with kids. I take my whole family to her. My son loves her so much!! Whenever my kids get sick I trust only Dr. Melissa more than our pediatrician that we meet her first get her advise and then follow it! Esp my son (4 years old now he is so comfortable with her that he used to say this from 3 years!) whenever he is sick he always says “Can we visit Dr. Melissa?” Dr. Melissa takes us right away when we mail her regarding our kids! She is very accommodating! She has helped us with everything from a common cold to ear infection with her adjustments as the nervous system is the key to good health! We trust her fully 500% and have recommended to many of my friends and families!! We are so grateful and highly appreciative that Dr. Melissa has taken always best interest in our health with so much of love and compassion!! I highly recommend her and will recommend her to anyone for a complete family care!! She truly has Magical hands with the newborns and kids as well as the adults!!
I was going to the office for the first time. Google map took me pass the location. I called the office and Sarah directed me on the phone, she came outside and stand where I could see her. The doctor was very professional listened took his notes and the doctor took care of me. I like the way how they use heat before the full treatment. Office is so clean and well kept. Lovely and relaxing atmosphere.
A couple years ago I was experiencing frequent migraines, neck pain, and spasms. I tried various methods to address it, but it only got worse to the point of debility, until I finally went to Colonial Valley Chiropractic. A series of about a dozen adjustments, acupuncture with Andy, and massage resolved the issue, and I felt much better in other ways as well. I’m really grateful for their help and support.
Highly recommend Dr. Mike for pregnancy aches and pains! He is excellent. I was seeing a different chiropractor from weeks 16-27, but wanted to ensure I had a chiropractor certified in the Webster Technique (in case I end up with a breech presentation baby). I am so glad I switched when I did to Dr. Mike, but do wish I had found this practice earlier in my pregnancy. His approach is completely different to the other provider, but I feel much more confident and safe in his care. He always ensures my comfort with the use of a pregnancy pillow, wedge, and offering me a hand to reposition (easier said than done sometimes!). The office is homey, but clean and professional. The office staff are lovely and I have had no trouble scheduling appointments outside of my work hours. I am sure Dr. Melissa is excellent as well but is not in-network with my insurance, so I have not met her!
So far so good! We took our 8 week old daughter to see Melissa after her tongue, lip and cheek tie releases. She was very knowledgeable and gentle with our daughter. My daughter was smiling the whole time. We look forward to working with Melissa more.