Tongue-Tie Release Recovery: Why Therapy Matters Before and After
If you’ve been told you or your child might need a tongue-tie release (frenectomy), it’s natural to focus on the procedure itself. But here’s what many people don’t realize: what you do before and after the release is just as important as the release itself.
As a myofunctional therapist and former dental hygienist here in San Antonio, I work with families to prepare the tongue, lips, and airway muscles before surgery — and to retrain those muscles afterward for lasting results.
👶 Why Pre-Release Therapy Matters
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) restricts tongue movement because of a tight or short frenulum. While a frenectomy can remove that restriction, it doesn’t automatically correct years of muscle habits or compensation patterns.
That’s why starting therapy before the release is so powerful. It helps to:
Evaluate readiness: Sometimes the timing isn’t right, especially in younger children. Therapy helps determine if a release is truly needed now or later.
Build tongue awareness: Many patients don’t know how to move their tongue properly. Pre-release exercises create the awareness needed for success afterward.
Strengthen muscles: Just like preparing for physical therapy before knee surgery, stronger muscles going in mean better results coming out.
Reduce stress: Parents and kids feel more confident going into the procedure because they already know what movements will be expected afterward.
👅 Why Post-Release Therapy Is Still Essential
Even with a successful release, without follow-up therapy it’s common to see:
🚫 Reattachment of the tissue
🚫 Limited tongue mobility
🚫 Ongoing breathing challenges, pain, or orthodontic relapse
🚫 Scarring or poor healing
The release is just the structural fix. Therapy is what restores function.
With the right plan in place, myofunctional therapy helps:
✅ Prevent scar reattachment
✅ Restore full range of motion
✅ Support better breathing and ease pain
✅ Reduce tongue thrust and jaw tension
✅ Build long-term oral rest posture and nasal breathing
🗓️ What the Timeline Looks Like
Before the Release: Gentle prep work to strengthen the tongue and lips, improve posture, and build awareness.
Day of the Release: I attend the frenectomy with you. Having me in the room provides reassurance, guidance, and advocacy for both you and your child. This is one of the most valuable ways I support families.
Immediately After: This is when support matters most. I provide daily access and close check-ins during those first critical days to guide stretches, answer questions, and make sure healing is on track. That support continues as long as you need it, so you never feel like you’re on your own.
2–4 Weeks After: As healing progresses, we shift into structured myofunctional therapy exercises to build tone, strength, and return muscles to proper function.
5+ Weeks After: Long-term integration of healthy oral habits — resting tongue posture, nasal breathing, and lip posture.
👩⚕️ My Approach: Support Before, During, and After
I often hear clients call me a Dental Doula because I walk with them through the whole process — not just a piece of it.
Here’s what working with me looks like:
Pre-release evaluation (is the release needed right now?)
Referrals to trusted release providers if you don’t have one yet
Gentle prep exercises for awareness and strength
Attending the actual frenectomy to support you and your provider during the procedure
Customized aftercare plans once healing begins
Regular check-ins to adjust exercises and track progress
Collaboration with ENTs, pediatric dentists, orthodontists, lactation consultants, or speech therapists
Need a release provider? I work closely with several trusted specialists, including the teams at Alamo Heights Pediatric Dentistry and Dr. Sage at Alamo Heights Pediatric Dentistry.
📌 FAQ: Tongue-Tie Therapy Basics
Do I really need therapy before the release?
Yes. Pre-release therapy sets the stage for healing and function, making the release more successful and less stressful.
Will you be there on the day of the release?
Yes. I attend the frenectomy with you to provide support, guidance, and reassurance during the procedure. People find this presence invaluable.
What happens immediately after the release?
Those first few days are critical. I provide daily access and ongoing support so you have help with stretches, questions, and healing progress. You’re never left to figure it out alone.
If the release goes well, can I skip therapy?
No. Even a perfect release won’t retrain years of habits. Therapy is what ensures lasting function and prevents reattachment.
What if I’m not sure myself or my child needs a release yet?
That’s exactly why I offer pre-release evaluations. Sometimes therapy alone can make big improvements, and sometimes it’s about choosing the right timing.
Do you work with other providers?
Absolutely. I coordinate with ENTs, pediatric dentists, periodontists, orthodontists, lactation consultants, and speech therapists to ensure comprehensive care. Some of the trusted providers I partner with include Alamo Heights Periodontics and Dr. Sage at Alamo Heights Pediatric Dentistry
📞 Ready to Explore Tongue-Tie Therapy in San Antonio?
If you’re considering a frenectomy for yourself or your child, let’s talk first. Therapy before the release ensures the timing is right and prepares the tongue for success. And therapy afterward locks in the long-term results.
👉 Book your free 15-minute consultation today and let’s make sure you or your child are truly ready for the best outcome possible.