The TLC Approach: Reimagining Tongue-Tie Care with Pre and Post-Operative Therapy

At Tongue-tie Laser Center of Atlanta (TLC), we're passionate about providing comprehensive care that truly makes a difference in our patients' lives. Our approach to tongue-tie treatment is rooted in a deep belief in the power of pre- and post-operative therapy.

‍

My journey to this field began in occupational therapy (OT), where I spent years as a hand therapist in orthopedics. This experience taught me the immense value of a standardized, holistic approach to care. In orthopedics, we follow a well-established model: a hand surgeon might see a patient for carpal tunnel syndrome, then refer them to an OT for conservative treatment. If that treatment isn't successful, the OT may recommend the patient return to the surgeon for a procedure. After surgery, the patient comes back to the OT for wound care, pain management, strengthening, and range of motion exercises.

‍

Inspired by the effectiveness of this model, we've lovingly adapted it for our work at TLC. We understand that the tongue, with its intricate system of eight muscles, plays a crucial role in so many aspects of daily life. That's why we believe it's so important to assess how these muscles work together to perform activities of daily living (ADLs).

‍

One of the most fascinating things about the human body is its incredible ability to adapt. When something doesn't work quite right, our bodies find creative ways to compensate, using other muscles or tissues to help us function. While this adaptability is amazing, these compensations can sometimes lead to further issues or discomfort down the line.

‍

That's where the magic of neuromuscular reeducation comes in. By gently guiding these muscles back to optimal function, we can help our patients achieve better oral health and overall well-being. It's this understanding that drives our conviction that pre- and post-operative therapy should be the standard of care for tongue-tie treatment.

‍

At TLC, we're not just treating a condition – we're caring for whole people, supporting them on their journey to better health and comfort. Every patient's story inspires us to continue refining our approach, always striving to provide the most compassionate and effective care possible.

‍