Speech Therapy vs. Myofunctional Therapy: What’s the Difference?

What Is Speech Therapy?

Speech therapy is all about communication. A speech therapist helps kids learn how to speak more clearly, use words and sentences, and feel confident when talking.

For example, speech therapy helps with things like:

• A child who says “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”

• A child who struggles to put sentences together

• A child who stutters or gets stuck on words

• A child who talks really quietly or with a hoarse voice

In short, speech therapy focuses on helping kids say words the right way, use language, and connect with others through communication.

What Is Myofunctional Therapy?

Myofunctional therapy is less about what kids say and more about how the muscles in their mouth and face work. It helps with the way children breathe, chew, swallow, and rest their tongue and lips.

For example, myofunctional therapy helps with:

• A child who always breathes through their mouth instead of their nose

• A child who can’t keep their lips closed at rest

• A child who has a tongue tie and struggles to move their tongue properly

• A child who pushes their tongue forward when swallowing (sometimes called a tongue thrust)

• A child who has trouble chewing and swallowing food efficiently

So, while speech therapy is about words and communication, myofunctional therapy is about muscle patterns and healthy oral function.

Where They Overlap

Because speech depends on how the tongue, lips, and jaw move, there can be some overlap. For example:

• A child with a tongue tie might have trouble saying certain sounds and might struggle with chewing or swallowing.

• A child who mouth breathes might develop speech habits that sound a little different.

In these cases, both therapies may work together — one addressing the speech side, and the other addressing the muscle and function side.

Why the Difference Matters

Think of it like this:

• If your child can’t say certain sounds clearly (like “s” or “r”), speech therapy is the place to start.

• If your child has trouble with breathing, swallowing, or tongue movement, myofunctional therapy is the right fit.

• And if your child has both speech and muscle-related concerns, a combination of the two often brings the best results.

The Bottom Line for Parents

• Speech therapy = helps kids communicate clearly

• Myofunctional therapy = helps kids breathe, chew, swallow, and rest properly

Both therapies can play an important role in helping your child thrive. Sometimes, they even work hand-in-hand to support not just speech, but overall health and development.