This is a real clinical discipline, distinct from viral tongue-posture trends — with its own trained practitioners and a growing evidence base.
How this differs from mewing
Our mewing post covers the viral, self-directed version of tongue posture correction. Myofunctional therapy is the clinical version of the same underlying idea — a structured program with a trained therapist, typically involving assessment, targeted exercises, and behavior modification, rather than a single tongue-posture tip picked up online.
What it's actually treating
Dysfunctional tongue and jaw postures — resting the tongue low in the mouth instead of against the palate, habitual mouth breathing, or an abnormal swallowing pattern — are thought to increase tension in the muscles that elevate the jaw and alter how the bite loads the joint over time, adding cumulative stress to the TMJ.
What the evidence shows
A pilot study specifically on adults with muscle-driven (myogenous) TMD found meaningful improvement from orofacial myofunctional therapy. It's also established as a legitimate treatment approach for mild to moderate sleep apnea by improving upper airway muscle function — relevant to our mouth breathing and sleep apnea post — and is commonly recommended for people with EDS/hypermobility, where muscle control matters more than aggressive stretching.
Finding a provider
This is a credentialed field — myofunctional therapists typically have specific certification beyond a general dental or medical degree. If tongue posture or a dysfunctional swallow seems to be a contributing factor for you, ask your dentist or ENT for a referral to a trained orofacial myofunctional therapist rather than trying to self-diagnose which exercises you need.