Why Body Work Matters

Great tongue‑tie practitioners often recommend seeing a paediatric musculoskeletal practitioner before your frenulotomy (tongue‑tie division) appointment. This helps us understand how your baby’s tongue, jaw, neck, and posture are working together – and whether conservative care alone could improve feeding, or if a division is likely to help.

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Key points:

• Not every baby with feeding challenges has a tongue‑tie, and not every tie needs dividing.

• Many babies develop tension patterns (neck, jaw, shoulders) or head‑shape asymmetries that affect latch and milk transfer.

• Suck–swallow–breathe function begins before birth and involves multiple structures; cutting a tie alone may not change established movement patterns.

• A proper diagnosis must include functional assessment, not just a quick look or “how far the tongue sticks out”.
   

We believe in assessing and supporting both inside and outside the mouth: tongue, palate, jaw, neck, thoracic spine and surrounding musculature.

Benefits of Body Work

• Improved latch and milk transfer (breast or bottle)

• Reduced maternal nipple pain and baby’s feeding fatigue

• Better comfort and settling for baby

• Optimised outcomes if a division is needed, and reduced risk of re‑attachment afterwards

What to Expect

During a body‑work appointment, a paediatric musculoskeletal practitioner will:
 

• Take a brief history of pregnancy, birth, and current feeding

• Assess tongue mobility and oral function alongside jaw/neck mechanics

• Check for tension patterns and head‑shape asymmetries

• Provide gentle hands‑on techniques appropriate for babies

• Share home care and exercises to support functional healing
   

If you go on to have a tongue‑tie division, body work can:
 

• Prepare tissues and mechanics pre‑division for maximum benefit

• Support post‑division recovery, comfort, and function

When to Consider Body Work

Consider booking body work if you notice any of the following:
 

• Shallow or painful latch; clicking sounds; frequent unlatching

• Long or inefficient feeds; poor transfer; early fatigue

• Wind, reflux‑like symptoms, unsettled behaviour after feeds

• Preference to look one way; flat spot or head‑shape asymmetry

• Bottle teat issues or difficulty progressing with flows
   

Bottle‑fed and breast‑fed babies can both benefit. A baby gaining weight can still have tongue and latch issues that affect comfort and feeding experience.

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Our Recommended Clinic

For specialist paediatric body work we recommend NGCO Clinic:
 

• Phone: 0191 414 0322

• Web: www.ngcoclinic.co.uk
   

You’re welcome to arrange your NGCO appointment before or after your visit with Tongue Tie North East.