Pediatric Physical Therapy for feeding difficulties, torticollis and milestones

It's hard to watch your baby struggle—but you don't have to navigate it alone. We help babies feed more comfortably, reduce or even avoid the need for helmet therapy when appropriate, and build the strength and movement skills needed for tummy time, sitting, rolling, crawling, and walking. Together, we'll help your little one thrive.

Questions? Call Us

Pediatric Myofascial Release

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Craniosacral Therapy

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Torticollis & Plagiocephaly

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TMR Tots Certified

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Se Habla Español

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Tongue Tie Pre & Post Surgery Physical Therapy

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Pediatric Myofascial Release • Craniosacral Therapy • Torticollis & Plagiocephaly • TMR Tots Certified • Se Habla Español • Tongue Tie Pre & Post Surgery Physical Therapy •

Tongue & Lip Tie Therapy

What Is A Tongue & Lip Tie?

Oral restrictions can occur anywhere within the mouth and can prevent normal movement and function of the tongue. A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) is the most common form of oral restriction. It occurs when the tissue connecting the tongue to the floor of the mouth is too short, thick, or tight. This restricts the tongue’s normal range of motion and strength. In our experience, it also causes a tightening of the fascial system, causing tension and tightness in a baby’s body.

A lip tie is when the tissue connecting the upper (or lower) lip to the gum is short or too thick, preventing free movement. This tie tends to occur in conjunction with a tongue tie. A buccal tie refers to tissues that attach the inside of the cheeks to the gums, restricting normal movement. This may prevent a baby from being able to open their mouth wide enough to eat well.

Baby Symptoms Can Include:

  • Colic, gassy, irritable

  • Falling asleep within minutes

  • Sleepy feeds that take forever

  • Difficulty keeping a latch, pops on and off

  • Not emptying breasts fully

  • Swallowing air, clicking

  • Chomping, gumming

  • Always seems so hungry 

    Mom Symptoms Can Include

  • Milk supply issues

  • Plugged ducts/mastisis

  • Cracked, bleeding, damaged nipples

  • Pain with nursing

  • Lipstick shaped nipple

Our mission

Mindful Physical Therapy treats and supports  infants and children with feeding difficulties and educates their parents on their child’s developmental journey.  We provide physical therapy services and preventative wellness  in our office or in the comfort of  the patient’s  home

Our values

empathetic

empowering

educational

transparent

nurturing

When to contact us

How Does Physical Therapy
Work For Children?

Mindful Physical Therapy is specialized in helping patients with tongue and lip ties that can be related to torticollis and flat head. We look at your baby with a wholistic eye and identify the root cause of the issues. Together, we develop a plan that will best help your baby thrive. Movement, developmental, oral motor, and manual therapy (gentle massage and stretches) are all addressed in a one-on-one 60 minute  session.  Your baby will learn to self-regulate, move and feed more efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

Navigating your baby’s development can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to figure it out alone. Take a look at our FAQ, or reach out directly to chat through what you’re seeing at home. If you feel ready to take the next step, we’d love to welcome you into our care.

Schedule 60-Minute Session

  • A tongue-tie (also called ankyloglossia) is a condition present at birth where the thin band of tissue under the tongue (the lingual frenulum) is shorter, thicker, or tighter than usual. This can limit how freely the tongue moves.

    Signs that may suggest a tongue-tie

    • The tongue can't stick out very far.

    • The tip of the tongue looks heart-shaped or notched when extended.

    • The tongue has difficulty lifting toward the roof of the mouth.

    • Feeding is consistently difficult despite trying different positions or techniques.

  • Tongue ties can cause:
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    - Tongue & jaw weakness
    - Head tilts, one sided preference head flattening or torticollis
    - Neck and shoulder tension
    - Breathing dysfunction
    - Reflux from air swallowing
    - Body asymmetry 
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    Physical therapy can help to address all these issues with fun, gentle movements and exercise protocols.

  • I’ve seen much better outcomes when babies have at least 1-2 therapy sessions before the release is performed. Functional neuromuscular re-education as well as improving the way a baby moves are very important prior to the release procedure. Therapy helps to decrease tension/tightness and focuses on tongue function and suck training with developmentally appropriate positions and exercises.

  • Physical Therapy has several goals:
    1. to maximize the current range of motion and strength of the tongue and body as a whole,
    2. to educate the parents on best care for their unique baby and the benefits of movement
    3. to ensure the infant is used to the oral exercises prior to the procedure.
    4. to assess if there are any other underlying conditions that may inhibit optimal feeding or development in general ie. Torticollis & Plagiocephaly, tension or low muscle tone. All these conditions can impact how a baby does after the procedure.