MARM_pic500

This is a comprehensive breathing, oral myofunctional, posture and health assessment:

  • It identifies different forms of dysfunctional breathing using various measurement tools that assess the biochemical, biomechanical and stress related aspects of breathing.
  • Orofacial myofunctional evaluation. Looks at the capacity and function of the airway, tongue, nose and lips.
  • Looks at posture and screens for muscular skeletal  imbalances.
  • Looks at general health and medical history to identify causes of posture, breathing and  airway problems.
  • Determines the  best course of action for treatment. This might be a breathing therapy and breathing retraining. However in some cases a multi-disciplinary approach is necessary and you may need to see another type of practitioner such as a dentist, ear, nose and throat physician, allergy specialist,  osteopath, psychologist or sleep specialist
Capnocheck breathing assessment
Capnographic tracings

What’s involved in breathing assessment?

Capnometry and Oxymetry – measures carbon dioxide and oxygen levels at rest and challenge.

Lung Function Screen – looks for signs of possible asthma or COPD.

Evaluating Breathing Pattern – tests like the MARM are used to assess the diaphragm and general muscle co-ordiantion at rest and when challenged.

Questionnaires – questionnaires can help to measure the severity of dysfunctional breathing and identify underlying conditions such as anxiety and sleep apnea.

Breath Holding Time – breath holding time is an indirect measure of breathlessness, hyperventilation and breathing drive.

Heart Rate Variability Assessment – look at how breathing interacts with the circulatory system and the  autonomic nervous system.

Airway screen – looks at the adequacy and function of the tongue, throat and nose.

Posture and muscular skeletal assessment

Poor breathing and airway function can result in a range of postural changes and muscular skeletal changes such as forward head posture, hyperlordosis, poor core stability, diaphragm dysfunction, rib cage immobility and neck muscle tension.

Orofacial myofunctional assessment

This is an assessment of the structure and function of the upper airway. It includes assessment of the nose, mouth, jaw, tongue, neck and face and identifies potentially problematic behaviours such as mouth breathing, teeth clenching, tongue thrusting, thumb sucking and abnormal swallowing.

Orofacial myology

Orofacial myology corrects orofacial myofunctional disorders (OMDs) by correcting the position, motor patterning and strength of the muscles of the face, neck, jaw and oral cavity through the use of progressive exercises.

For more information or to book a breathing assessment:

Click here