Why the Tongue Matters in Athletics
Most athletes focus on strength, conditioning, and mindset. But many overlook the role of oral function—especially the tongue—in breathing mechanics, postural stability, and neuromuscular coordination.
When the tongue rests low in the mouth, moves improperly during swallowing, or is tethered by restriction (such as tongue-tie), it can impact:
- Oxygen delivery and endurance
- Spinal alignment and core activation
- Mental clarity under pressure
- Muscle recovery and repair
The Fascial Connection: Mouth to Movement
The tongue connects to the deep front line—a continuous fascial chain that runs from the floor of the mouth to the feet.
Dysfunction in the tongue's posture or mobility can create compensations throughout the body, altering:
- Head and neck posture
- Diaphragmatic function
- Pelvic alignment
- Gait and reaction control
Proper tongue function supports the posture-breathing-stability triad at the core of every movement.
Nasal Breathing and Nitric Oxide: The Performance Edge
Nasal breathing is a foundational component of efficient athletic output. When we breathe through the nose, the paranasal sinuses produce nitric oxide (NO)—a powerful vasodilator and signaling molecule.
The physiological benefits of nitric oxide include:
- Enhanced oxygen uptake and tissue oxygenation
- Improved blood flow to working muscles
- Better CO2 tolerance, delaying fatigue
- Heightened focus and composure under pressure
- Support for explosive muscle recruitment and post-training recovery
Mouth breathing bypasses this system, compromising oxygen delivery and reducing the body’s natural ability to regulate inflammation and cellular regeneration.
How Myofunctional Therapy Supports Athletic Performance
Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT) addresses dysfunctions in oral posture, breathing, and swallowing by retraining neuromuscular patterns for long-term correction.
Athletes benefit from OMT through improvements in:
- Tongue posture and functional breathing
- Diaphragmatic coordination and breath control
- Swallowing efficiency and jaw stability
- Oral habits such as clenching, bracing, or grinding
- Sleep quality and parasympathetic recovery
What It Can Mean for You
Whether you're a professional competitor, strength athlete, or lifelong mover, optimizing orofacial function can lead to:
- Increased stamina and respiratory efficiency
- Greater muscular explosiveness and energy output
- Enhanced recovery between sets, games, or rounds
- Better postural alignment and injury resilience
- Improved jaw comfort and reduced performance anxiety
Research Highlights
Studies have shown that training the airway and tongue posture can increase nitric oxide levels, improve oxygen saturation, and lower perceived exertion.
OMT is emerging as a supportive tool in athletic recovery and performance optimization, especially when used alongside integrative care from dental, airway, or movement professionals.
Ready to Take Your Performance to the Next Level?
If you’re serious about improving your breathing, posture, and recovery—start at the foundation.
Book a myofunctional therapy evaluation today and explore how functional training of the airway and orofacial system can support your peak performance.
Disclaimer:
The content on this page is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical or dental advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare or dental provider before making changes to your diet, oral health routine, or treatment plan. Statements about supplemental chewing are based on current research in craniofacial development and are not intended to treat or cure medical conditions.
