Tongue Ties and Oral Development: Why CFT Makes All the Difference
Beyond the Revision: Why Tongue Ties Need a Whole-Body Approach
If you're a parent researching tongue ties, you've likely found yourself deep in online forums at 2 AM, wondering if that clicking sound during nursing or your baby's difficulty latching is "normal." You've probably also discovered that tongue tie treatment often focuses on one thing: the frenectomy (the procedure that releases the restricted tissue).
But here's what many parents don't realize: releasing a tongue tie is only part of the solution. The restrictions that create feeding difficulties, speech delays, and sleep issues don't exist in isolation. They're connected to a complex web of fascial tension throughout your baby's entire body.
This is where our newly certified Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) training changes everything for families in Nashville.
Understanding Tongue Ties and Oral Restrictions
A tongue tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the thin piece of tissue under the tongue is too tight or attached too close to the tip, restricting movement. Lip ties, buccal ties, and other oral restrictions can create similar challenges.
Common signs in infants include:
Difficulty latching or staying latched during feeding
Clicking or smacking sounds while nursing
Poor weight gain or extended feeding sessions
Gassiness, reflux, or colic symptoms
Shallow latch causing maternal pain
Sleep difficulties and frequent waking
As children grow, untreated oral restrictions may contribute to:
Speech articulation difficulties
Picky eating or difficulty with certain textures
Mouth breathing and sleep-disordered breathing
Dental crowding and orthodontic issues
Poor posture and compensatory movement patterns
The Missing Piece: Fascial Tension
Here's what's crucial to understand: tongue ties rarely happen in isolation. The same fascial restrictions that limit tongue movement often extend throughout the body, affecting the jaw, neck, shoulders, and even down to the pelvis.
Think of fascia as a three-dimensional web that connects every structure in your body. When one area is restricted, the entire system compensates. A baby with a tongue tie often also has:
Tension in the jaw and temporomandibular joint (TMJ)
Restricted cranial bone mobility
Neck and shoulder tightness
Difficulty with head rotation (often preferring one side)
Overall body tension that makes them uncomfortable and fussy
This is why some babies continue to have feeding difficulties even after a frenectomy. The restriction under the tongue was released, but the fascial tension patterns throughout their body remain.
Our CFT Training: A Comprehensive Solution
We're excited to announce that our team is now trained in Craniosacral Fascial Therapy using the Gillespie Approach. This specialized training equips us to address tongue ties and oral development from a whole-body perspective.
What Makes CFT Different
CFT combines craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, and oral techniques to address the root causes of oral restrictions. Using incredibly gentle touch (about the weight of a nickel), we work with your baby's natural healing mechanisms to release fascial restrictions throughout the entire body.
Our CFT approach addresses:
Oral fascial restrictions and tongue mobility
TMJ tension and jaw alignment
Cranial bone mobility and cerebrospinal fluid flow
Neck and shoulder restrictions
Whole-body fascial patterns
Birth trauma that may have created initial tension
The Ideal Timeline for CFT and Tongue Ties
Before a frenectomy: CFT can prepare the tissues, reduce overall body tension, and often improve function enough that some families decide to wait on the procedure or avoid it entirely.
After a frenectomy: CFT is crucial for preventing reattachment, improving healing, and ensuring your baby can actually use their newly released tongue. We work on releasing the remaining fascial restrictions and teaching the tongue new movement patterns.
No frenectomy planned: Even if you're choosing to watch and wait, CFT can significantly improve oral function, reduce feeding difficulties, and support optimal development.
What to Expect from CFT Sessions
Parents are often amazed by how gentle CFT is. There's no cracking, popping, or aggressive manipulation. We use about 5 grams of pressure (truly, the weight of a nickel) to work with your baby's craniosacral rhythm and fascial system.
During a typical session:
Your baby remains fully clothed and comfortable (often nursing or sleeping)
We gently assess craniosacral rhythm and fascial restrictions
We use light touch to release tension throughout the body
Most babies become deeply relaxed, and many fall asleep
Parents frequently report improvements after the very first session, including better latching, longer sleep stretches, reduced fussiness, and improved head rotation.
Beyond Infancy: CFT for Oral Development at Any Age
While we're passionate about helping infants, CFT isn't just for babies. Oral restrictions and fascial tension can affect people throughout their entire lives.
Children and adults benefit from CFT for:
TMJ dysfunction and jaw pain
Chronic headaches and migraines
Sleep apnea and breathing disorders
Ongoing effects of childhood tongue ties
Pre- and post-orthodontic support
Speech therapy support
Chronic pain patterns related to compensatory postures
The fascial restrictions that began in infancy don't disappear on their own. They create compensation patterns that can lead to pain, dysfunction, and reduced quality of life. CFT offers a gentle, effective way to address these long-standing patterns at any age.
The CFT Difference in East Nashville
Our commitment to the Gillespie Approach means we've trained in the gold standard of Craniosacral Fascial Therapy. Developed by Dr. Barry Gillespie starting in 1977, this approach combines decades of clinical refinement with a deep respect for the body's innate healing wisdom.
We don't just treat symptoms. We address the underlying fascial restrictions that create dysfunction, supporting your body's natural ability to heal and thrive.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If your baby is struggling with feeding, if you're preparing for or recovering from a frenectomy, or if you're dealing with the long-term effects of oral restrictions, we're here to help.
Our trained CFT practitioners combine specialized training with genuine care for your family's wellbeing. We take time to understand your unique situation and create a treatment plan that supports optimal oral development and whole-body health.
Schedule your appointment today and discover how this gentle, effective therapy can transform your family's experience with tongue ties and oral development.
Have questions about whether CFT is right for your family? Contact us to learn more about how this specialized therapy can support your child's oral development and overall wellness.