Two Phases of Post-Operative Frenectomy Care: Active Wound Management & Neuromuscular Re-Education

Note: This course requires some beginner knowledge of tethered oral tissue and/or orofacial myology. This course is interprofessional. It is recommended for IBCLCs, RDHs, SLPs, OTs, PTs, other bodyworkers as well as MDs and DDS/DMDs. This course compliments the 2-day course series “Functional Assessment and Remediation of TOTs” and may contain some overlapping content.

There are two phases of post-operative frenectomy intervention. In the first three-six weeks active wound management or “stretches” are scripted by the release provider. While this is a surgical directive and designated to the caregivers many therapists and consultants are relied upon to assist with the process and are unsure what their roles and responsibilities may be. Then the second phase of post-operative care is neuromuscular re-education which ideally started pre-operatively and lasts longer than the wound management phase.  This phase is functionally driven based upon the abnormal and compensatory muscle patterns and target skills the patient uniquely needs. Goals such as such as nasal breathing, improved oral resting posture, eating, drinking, swallowing, and speaking are targeted by the professional who is mostly aptly licensed. Both phases include a TOTs team based on the patient needs and functional implications.

Robyn & Lori have taken consideration of the research both internally and externally of both phases of care, along with extensively researching the nuisances of various scopes of practice at each phase. Working together collaboratively amongst consultants, therapists and surgeons can help optimize sensory acceptance of pre-and post-operative frenectomy care and maximize progress for patients in the community helping them reach their optimal potential.

1. Define 1 goal of active wound management.
2. Define 1 goal of neuromuscular re-education.
3. Explain why a frenulum cannot be stretched.

• Robyn Merkel-Walsh, MA, CCC-SLP, COM®️

•   0.2 ASHA CEUs, digital workbook & certificate of completion.

Schedule

Timed Agenda

• 10 mins: Introduction
• 50 mins: Defining Active Wound Management and Exploring Research and Scope of Practice
• 50 mins: Defining Neuromuscular Re-Education and Exploring Research and Scope of Practice
• 10 mins: Conclusions and Resources

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