Telehealth has made myofunctional therapy more accessible than ever — no commute, no waiting room, just you, your therapist, and a screen. But a great virtual session doesn’t just happen. A little bit of setup ahead of time makes a big difference in how smooth (and effective) your sessions actually feel.
If you’re getting ready for your first virtual appointment — or just want to fine-tune your setup — here’s what to have in place.
A Strong, Reliable Internet Connection
This one might seem obvious, but it’s worth saying: your connection is the foundation of the whole session. Myofunctional therapy is detail-oriented work. Your therapist needs to clearly see how your tongue, lips, and jaw are moving, and clearly hear you too. A choppy video feed or dropped audio can turn a productive session into a frustrating one. If you can, connect to Wi-Fi close to your router, or use a wired connection if your setup allows for it.
A Proper Chair and Table
Where — and how — you sit actually matters here. Skip the couch, the bed, or anything too relaxed. You’ll want a sturdy chair at a table or desk, so you can sit upright and comfortable for the full session. Posture plays a real role in oral and airway function, so slouching into a cushion isn’t just less professional-feeling — it can actually affect what your therapist is able to observe. If you’re using a laptop, prop it up to desk height rather than looking down at it. It’ll give your therapist a much clearer, more accurate view.
The Right Supplies on Hand
Nothing derails a session like realizing halfway through that you need something you don’t have. Before your appointment, get in the habit of setting out:
- A small table or hand mirror, so you can watch your own tongue and mouth movements
- Pen and paper, or your exercise checklist if you’re tracking progress
- Any tools or materials your therapist has given you or asked you to have ready
Taking two minutes to gather these beforehand means you’re not scrambling mid-session — and it keeps the appointment focused on the actual work.
Equipment That Lets Your Therapist See Clearly
Your camera, microphone, and lighting all play a bigger role than you might think. A grainy picture or dim lighting can make it hard for your therapist to catch the small details that matter most — tongue posture, subtle muscle movement, the timing of a swallow. If you can, position yourself facing a window so natural light falls on your face, and double check that your camera and mic are working well before your session starts. It doesn’t need to be studio-quality — just clear enough that nothing gets missed.
A Quiet, Distraction-Free Space
Myofunctional therapy takes focus, both from you and your therapist. Choose a space where you won’t be interrupted — turn off the TV, silence notifications, and if you share your space with family or roommates, give them a heads-up that you’ll need uninterrupted time. Even small background noise or movement can make it harder to stay locked in on the exercises, and a distraction-free environment simply helps you get more out of each session.
A Little Prep Goes a Long Way
None of this requires anything fancy — just a bit of intention before you log on. A stable connection, good posture, the right supplies within reach, decent lighting, and a quiet space are really all it takes to set yourself up for a productive virtual session.
If you have questions about what to prepare before your next appointment, don’t hesitate to reach out — we’re always happy to help you get set up for success.
