Oral Placement Therapy

Although each procedure varies subtly, there are some basic guidelines to Oral Placement Therapy, and they are followed by all Oral Placement Therapist.

• Oral Placement Therapy (OPT) is a type of speech and language therapy that focuses on developing and improving oral motor skills, which are the movements and coordination of the muscles used for speech and eating. OPT is often used with individuals who have difficulties with speech articulation, feeding, and/or swallowing.
• OPT involves the use of tools and exercises designed to improve oral motor skills, including exercises for the lips, tongue, jaw, and cheeks. These exercises aim to strengthen and improve the coordination of the oral muscles, which can help to improve speech production and feeding/swallowing abilities.
• OPT typically involves a trained therapist who works one-on-one with the individual to develop and implement a customized treatment plan. The treatment plan may include exercises and activities to improve specific oral motor skills, as well as the use of tools and techniques such as:
• Oral motor exercises: These exercises target specific oral muscles and are designed to improve strength, coordination, and control.
• Feeding therapy: This involves working with individuals who have difficulty with feeding and swallowing to develop new strategies and techniques for safe and effective feeding. Sensory stimulation: This involves using different textures and sensations to stimulate the oral muscles and improve sensory awareness.
• Tool use: This involves using various tools, such as straws, horns, and chewy tubes, to target specific oral motor skills and improve muscle strength and control. The goal of OPT is to improve oral motor skills, which can lead to improved speech articulation, feeding/swallowing abilities, and overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is experiencing difficulties with speech articulation or feeding/swallowing, it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare professional to determine if OPT can be beneficial.