GLOBAL POSTURE

The diaphragm is the primary muscle used for breathing. It sits beneath the rib cage and works continuously to support both respiration and stability within the body.

The diaphragm is not only a breathing muscle. It also plays an important role in how the body organizes itself in space.

When the diaphragm is functioning efficiently, it works together with the rib cage, spine, and core to create stability.

This allows for:

• Balanced pressure within the torso 
• Efficient rib cage expansion 
• Reduced reliance on neck and shoulder muscles for breathing 

This type of coordination helps the body maintain an upright, supported posture without unnecessary tension.

If the diaphragm is underutilized or restricted, the body may compensate by using accessory muscles in the neck, shoulders, and jaw.

This can lead to:

• Shallow or chest-dominant breathing 
• Increased tension in the upper body 
• Changes in head and neck position 
• Altered oral and facial muscle patterns 

Over time, these patterns can influence both posture and orofacial function.

Breathing and oral posture are closely connected.

When breathing is efficient:

• The tongue is more likely to rest in an optimal position 
• The lips can remain gently closed at rest 
• The body is less dependent on compensatory muscle patterns 

When breathing is less efficient, the body may adapt in ways that affect oral rest posture and muscle coordination.

Supporting efficient breathing patterns can help improve overall coordination between posture, breathing, and oral function.

Orofacial myofunctional therapy focuses on awareness and retraining of these patterns as part of a whole-body approach.

The pelvis serves as a central foundation for the body. It connects the upper and lower body and plays a key role in how posture is organized and maintained.

The position and movement of the pelvis influence how the spine stacks, how the rib cage aligns, and how the body balances in space.

When the pelvis is well-positioned and able to move freely, it helps create a stable base for the spine and upper body.

This allows for:

• Balanced alignment between the pelvis, rib cage, and head 
• Efficient weight distribution through the body 
• Improved coordination between movement and stability 

A supported pelvis helps the body maintain posture with less strain and compensation.

If the pelvis is tilted, restricted, or not well controlled, the body may adapt with compensatory patterns.

This can lead to:

• Changes in spinal alignment 
• Increased tension in the lower back or hips 
• Altered rib cage positioning 
• Shifts in head and neck posture 

These changes can influence how the entire body functions, including breathing and oral posture.

The pelvis works in coordination with the diaphragm and rib cage.

When this system is balanced:

• Breathing patterns are more efficient 
• The body can maintain stability without excess tension 
• Oral and facial muscles are less likely to compensate 

When the system is not well coordinated, the body may rely on alternative strategies that affect breathing and orofacial function.

Posture is a whole-body process. The pelvis plays a key role in supporting how the body organizes movement, breathing, and stability.

Orofacial myofunctional therapy considers these relationships as part of a broader approach to improving function and awareness.