Whole-Body Tongue-Tie Care: Why Baby Bodywork Matters Before & After Release
When a baby struggles to latch, feed, or stay calm at the breast or bottle, it’s rarely “just the tongue.”
Feeding is a full-body, full-nervous-system experience involving not only the mouth, but also the diaphragm, neck, jaw, cranial bones, and even the baby’s emotional state.
At Focus Chiropractic, our care for tongue-tied babies begins with a whole-body perspective.
We look at how tension, reflexes, and alignment influence feeding.
because when the nervous system is balanced, everything works better.
What We See in the Office
Babies with tongue or oral restrictions often show:
Arching or pulling away during feeds
Clicking or leaking milk
Reflux-like symptoms or gassiness
Difficulty turning their head evenly
Tension through the jaw, neck, or shoulders
Short or restless feeding sessions
These signs tell us that the baby’s entire body is compensating, not just the mouth.
The Functional Side of Tongue-Tie Care
Not every baby who struggles to feed needs an immediate release.
Sometimes the tongue’s structure isn’t the only issue, it’s the function.
A baby’s tongue may be physically restricted, but if the underlying reflexes, cranial nerve pathways, and muscle coordination haven’t developed properly, releasing the tissue alone may not restore full function.
That’s why in our office, before referring for a release, we focus on assessing and improving function first.
Through gentle craniosacral and intraoral techniques, I stimulate the cranial nerves that control suck, swallow, and tongue movement.
By awakening these reflexes, the body “remembers” how to organize and move efficiently, which sometimes allows feeding to improve even before any surgical procedure.
When structure remains a limitation after function improves, we partner with exceptional pediatric dentists who specialize in precise, laser-based releases:
Dr. Bethany Kum – South Pasadena
Dr. Jessica Choi – San Marino
Dr. Tracy Tran – Newport Beach
Dr. Hila Robbins – Mid-City
Dr. Nora Zaghi – The Breathe Institute
Each of these providers understands that a release is not a stand-alone procedure. It’s part of a whole-body healing process that includes pre- and post-release care, bodywork, and coordinated feeding therapy.
When we notice that the tongue’s strength or coordination is limited, even if mobility improves, we may also collaborate with occupational therapists and feeding specialists to support your baby’s oral function and endurance after care.
Together, this team-based model ensures your baby’s structure, function, and nervous system are all in harmony — helping feeding, bonding, and growth unfold naturally.
What Happens in Our Office
During a baby bodywork visit:
We assess jaw, cranial, and diaphragm tension
Release fascial restrictions through gentle touch
Stimulate cranial nerves IX, X, and XII to improve reflexes
Support the vagus nerve for digestion and calm
Teach parents simple home holds and feeding positions
This is not a “pop or crack” adjustment. It’s rhythmic, responsive care that helps babies unwind stored tension and regulate their nervous system.
When to Consider a Release
After we’ve supported function and reflexes, we may recommend a laser frenectomy if:
The tongue remains restricted in elevation or lateral motion
Feeding progress plateaus
The baby fatigues quickly despite improvement in tone and coordination
In these cases, we refer for evaluation while continuing bodywork before and after to ensure full recovery and integration.
The Healing Journey After Release
The days following a release are an important window for healing.
We focus on:
Gentle oral exercises and myofascial unwinding
Regulating the baby’s nervous system through co-regulation with the parent
Rebuilding new feeding patterns through collaboration with your IBCLC or OT
Most families see their baby settle into calmer, deeper feeds within a few days to a few weeks
Our Heart for Collaboration
We’re honored to work alongside midwives, lactation consultants (IBCLCs), doulas, OBGYNs, pediatricians, and dentists who share our heart for family-centered, integrative care.
Together, we help babies and parents experience feeding, growth, and connection without unnecessary stress.
Your Next Step
If your baby is showing feeding challenges, tension, or symptoms you’re unsure about , you don’t have to figure it out alone.
We’ll walk you through what your baby needs next, step by step.
Need help deciding where to start?
DM us “TONGUE TIE” on Instagram and we’ll guide you with compassion and clarity.
You can also book a Mama & Baby visit at Focus Chiropractic where we help babies feed, grow, and thrive naturally.
