Ohhhhh the Stretches
These are a b*tch. They just are. I apologized to both of my children after my first attempt at stretching my own tongue, and cried at how many times I caused them to hurt after their releases as infants. Stretching under a baby’s tongue is easier, because I didn’t have to feel the pain, but way more difficult overall. The infant can’t show you their range of motion. They are actually fighting you instead of trying to aid in their own recovery.
Performing my own stretches was incredibly difficult, because they caused all of the pain! If my tongue wasn’t moving and just resting in my mouth, it didn’t hurt at all. Then I would think back to when did I stretch last? What time was it currently? How did my tongue feel? Good? Then it was probably time to stretch and move it again.
**sigh**
I could, however, visualize the wound SO much easier than my children’s tongues. I could also test the range of motion. Before stretching, especially in the morning, my range of motion was slightly more than pre-release. (Eeeek. “Was all of this worth it?” I would ask myself each day.) I could lift my tongue and see a little bit of scab underneath. Eh, that hurts, let’s stop right there. (I’m no stranger to pain, but this kinda hurt. My Birth Story in Photos)
Then I would take a deep breath and remember that I paid a lot of money to have this procedure done. There was no way I was going to tell my husband that I wanted it done again just because my stretches weren’t superb and it reattached. No way. I would then stretch and keep testing my range of motion until I could flatten my tongue back to touch my uvula. Success. (Is this really adulting?) Then off to find something cold to reduce the swelling. (beer, please! Crap, it’s 6am)
Confession: I Didn’t Do My Stretches Exactly Right
When my dentist showed me the correct way to stretch under my tongue, he used a rubbing motion. Well, OUCH. that wound was open, big, and angry for a few days. There was no way I wanted to get a finger on top of that sore. It felt weird to touch, it hurt, and I was scared of damaging it more and causing scar tissue. My dentist never confirmed that this was a risk. He actually said that I couldn’t be too rough with my stretches as long as I wasn’t poking the wound. This was helpful advice, and I had to remind myself of this during the second week of healing, when the diamond seemed particularly determined to define my range of motion as it healed.
Instead of rubbing, I pushed back on either side of the diamond and relaxed my tongue. This stretch provided 
a rather uncomfortable pulling and stretching sensation, but it wasn’t super painful. It got the job done, and I was happy to not be on the wound until the second week!
Have you found a way to stretch that works for you? How do you remember to get them in so many times during the day and night? Share your tips here so others can see! and thanks 🙂
88 Responses
Wonderful info, Thanks!|
Hey Coy, Thanks for reading! Glad you enjoyed it!
Question(s),… do you feel like your jaw has come forward just in the small amount of time since your release?
Also, how much omt did you do prior to release… what ages were your babies when they had it done… and if you could go back and do their stretches a better way, how would you do it?
Thank you! My husband has a significant tongue tie and I need to learn all I can to help support him when the time comes!
I know this was a few months ago but thought I’d chime in. I just had this done a couple weeks ago by laser at age 28!! I found the first 24 hours the worst and I had to sleep a lot. After that, not so bad however I ate hard food too fast and regretted it lol. Stay on soft food til at least day 5, maybe longer if you had stitches (I didn’t but still ouch). My tongue felt swollen for about a week and that can make it hard to eat normally but was an excuse to eat lots of noodles, rice, frozen yogurt, smoothies, and good soups hehe.
The thing that will change your jaw, speech, and face shape is tongue placement. The reason that most tongue tied people have problems is that we aren’t able to rest our tongue naturally in the mouth. It should be flat against the roof of the mouth with the tip resting just behind the teeth or the hard ridge of the palate. When swallowing, it should not push forward through the teeth but up and back (or there may be hardly any movement depending on your jaw shape).
My whole life prior to these two weeks, I had “tongue thrust” meaning my tongue pushed forward and now I have an overbite – that may not change as I’m not getting braces. BUT! I have already noticed my cheeks look slimmer, under my chin is flatter, and I don’t have jaw tension when swallowing. I have allergies and my nose feels less stuffy and even looks less swollen. I am still healing as I had a nerve needlestick injury (very rare, but that is my luck lol!) but I am shocked at the improvements already. I am still practising proper tongue placement but it’s starting to feel more natural.
My 5 year old also has tongue tie but I’m a little nervous now to have his done because of the nerve injury thing (as I said, rare!!). He can stick his tongue out and is not a mouth breather so I’m holding off a while to see how he’s doing as I think he won’t comply with exercises anyway lol (they do hurt!). But for myself, I’m extremely glad I had it done! I didn’t start having major issues til my late teens though.
Can you tell me more about the nerve injury? I had my release 4 days ago. The swelling has not gone down yet at all and I am still very numb on the tip of my tongue. I’m wondering about nerve injury.
I would also love to hear more about the needle stick nerve injury. I just got mine done 2 days ago and the tip of my tongue is also pretty numb and I’m some sort of strange pins and needles pain. I’m hoping it’s not permanent.
Did yours ever go away? I had mine done 2 days ago and the tip of my tongue is also numb. Not sure if cause for concern either. Thanks!
I recently just got mine done yesterday, my tongue is very swollen and when I try to do the stretches it hurts so bad ! I can barely eat anything, hurts to chew any kinda food. I can barely talk as well.. Was this the same for you ? When did it start getting abit easier?
Yes! 🙁 It was SO sore that first day … and really the first week. It does get better and actually felt worse if I didn’t do my stretches. The pain eased with cold food and rest and was worst after stretches but overall felt better if I did them consistently. Good luck!!
I am an Airway Dentist and your 15 minute video on tongue tie was spot on. Especially how it impacts the rest of the body. Besides the tissue release and tongue therapy there are 4 other treatment modalities that will positively impact your airway.
Hey, thanks so much! Thanks for watching and the work you do on improving health! Do you have any videos about those modalities?
I recently discovered that I may need to have this procedure done. I have seen that there is a laser and a “scissors” version, and I see that you had the laser version. Did you know there were two different ways it could be done when you made your decision? If you did, what made you chose the laser version? Also, I know this is a couple of years post the procedure, how are you doing now? Thank you for making and sharing these videos, I really enjoyed watching them.
Hey Christine, you’re so welcome! I did know that there are two ways, and I chose laser because it’s painless. It’s also way more precise than scissors, in my opinion, and had less bleeding risk. Good luck on your journey!
Hello, I am considering getting this procedure done as well. Are you still happy you had it done?
I got mine done 2 days ago at age 15.
It was done by the nhs and it only got rid of half of the tongue tie if that makes sense. So most of the tongue web is left but a lot of the tight tongue web is left under my tongue.
I just got my release on Thursday and I’m afraid of reattachment so I stretch as often as possible. I work from home so I can look like a maniac in peace. My concern is that while the swelling has gone down, the top of my tongue is still numb and when I stretch my tongue out, I feel something like threads pulling from the tip. I keep trying to push through the pain but after 3 days, it’s not any easier and I don’t want to cause damage. Any idea when the numbness wears away? Does drinking something warm before stretching help? When I eat ice, it feels like my tongue spasms and constricts, so cold is out.
I was operated on 4 days ago and a language disorder has worsened Has anyone experienced this? The doctors say it’s normal but I’m scared 🙁
I had mine done three days ago and I’m 21 years old. I also have some loss of feeling on the tip of my tongue, but I was never given any stretches to do. I was given almost no instruction whatsoever. I had my upper lip done back in March and I just had my tongue and lower lip. I’ve been looking you stretches because I’m not sure what I’m supposed to do. My biggest fear was that it looks like my tongue is growing back over the stitches and the dentist will have difficulty removing them in a few days. He looked at it and told me it was fine but I’m still a little nervous
Hello! How has the rest of your recovery been? Do you have any additional pictures now?
Oh recovery was fine after those first couple of weeks. I’m so sorry I haven’t posted any more pictures. I haven’t even done a follow up video 🙁 I’m so sorry. I still have some tightness in shoulders and neck but my breathing, eating, and tension headaches are sooooo much better. Thanks for asking – I’m totally feeling the peer pressure to post some more videos 🙂
We’d love the followup, Mandy! Please let us know!
I do not see the link for this video. I have watched the other videos in your tongue tie story and am interested in the video for this part.
Ooops, I’m so sorry. The video has been added. I have no idea how that happened. Thanks for letting me know!
First off I would like to say great blog! I had a quick
question in which I’d like to ask if you do
not mind. I was interested to know how you center
yourself and clear your mind before writing. I’ve had a hard
time clearing my mind in getting my thoughts out there.
I do take pleasure in writing however it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes
are generally lost just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints?
Many thanks!
Feel free to surf to my website … maitland ward porn
Excellent way of telling, and pleasant paragraph to get facts concerning my presentation subject
matter, which i am going to convey in university.
Also visit my web site … charlotte’s web cbd oil
Hello, everything is going sound here and ofcourse every one is sharing
facts, that’s actually excellent, keep up writing.
I had my tongue tie cut day before yesterday. Agony first 12 hours or so – even with codeine + Endone. Couldn’t even swallow my saliva. Since then I can manage to drink milkshakes. Can’t eat soft food yet, not even suck on a little chocolate. Hurts too much. To add to my pain it seems I’m biting my tongue throughout my sleep so the tip looks ulcerated and is very sore.
I don’t have the diamond shape because my dental surgeon stitched it all up. He said no need to do any exercises.
If anything my tongue extends less distance out of my mouth (which is none at all now!)
did this ever get better?? are you able to extend now??
Having read this I thought it was very enlightening.
I appreciate you finding the time and energy to put this
informative article together. I once again find myself
spending a lot of time both reading and leaving comments.
But so what, it was still worthwhile!
I think this is among the most important information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really excellent : D. Good job, cheers
Can we get an update? Just scheduled my release for the end of this month and I’d love to hear how you’re doing now!
Hi!
I know it’s an old post but just wanted to share my experience with tongue release. I’m 20, and I got my procedure 5 days ago.
To be honest, I’m quite shocked when I read comments – aside from the first day, my recovery is just fine and relatively painless. But the first day was pure hell. I wanted to rip off my tongue and stop this misery, but stubbornness kept me a bit sane. So I started stretches 5h after, really softly, because of pain, but continued to do them in 1h intervals. Yup, I even woke up during sleep to do these stretches. And avoided anything solid or warm for the first day. Then, day by day, I gradually increased the time between exercises – now it’s 5-6h. I eat solid foods, though I’m still avoiding anything sour or hot that might irritate the wound. I hardly feel any pain, the new tissue on the wound is somehow loose but looking healthy.
So, for those who might read it – don’t fear, it doesn’t need to be weeks of hell, even if you have it done by scissors (by the way, it is completely painless and bleeding is nearly non-existent after a couple of hours)
The key is to master correct tongue placement and correct swallowing before tongue tie release. And sticking to the exercises and other instructions given by the doctor.
Hey Lora, thanks for sharing! I agree, learn swallow and tongue placement FIRST. Great advice. I’m glad your recovery is going well! Thanks for sharing and good luck on your continued tongue success 🙂
You should be a part of a contest for one of the most useful sites online. I’m going to recommend this blog!
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this blog. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade blog posts by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has motivated me to get my own site now 😉
I need to to thank you for this wonderful read!! I definitely loved every bit of it. I’ve got you book marked to look at new stuff you postÖ
Excellent web site you have got here.. Itís difficult to find high quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate individuals like you! Take care!!
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Thank you so much, However I am going through troubles with your RSS. I donít know why I can’t subscribe to it. Is there anyone else getting identical RSS problems? Anyone who knows the answer will you kindly respond? Thanks!!
Having read this I thought it was really enlightening. I appreciate you spending some time and energy to put this content together. I once again find myself spending way too much time both reading and leaving comments. But so what, it was still worth it!
Howdy! This article couldnít be written any better! Going through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept talking about this. I’ll forward this article to him. Fairly certain he’s going to have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
Itís nearly impossible to find knowledgeable people for this topic, however, you sound like you know what youíre talking about! Thanks
I blog frequently and I seriously thank you for your information. Your article has really peaked my interest. I will book mark your blog and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your Feed as well.
Excellent blog post. I certainly love this site. Thanks!
Good day! I could have sworn Iíve been to this site before but after browsing through some of the articles I realized itís new to me. Anyhow, Iím definitely delighted I found it and Iíll be book-marking it and checking back frequently!
Howdy! This article couldnít be written much better! Looking through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I will send this post to him. Pretty sure he’ll have a good read. Thanks for sharing!
This website certainly has all of the information I needed about this subject and didnít know who to ask.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a friend who was doing a little homework on this. And he in fact ordered me breakfast simply because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending time to talk about this issue here on your site.
I love looking through an article that will make people think. Also, thank you for permitting me to comment!
Everything is very open with a really clear description of the challenges. It was truly informative. Your website is useful. Many thanks for sharing!
Everything is very open with a really clear explanation of the challenges. It was truly informative. Your site is very useful. Thank you for sharing!
Hi there, for all time i used to check web site posts here early in the break of day, because i like to find out more and more.
Hi there I am so grateful I found your blog page,
I really found you by mistake, while I was browsing on Yahoo
for something else, Anyhow I am here now and would just like to say cheers for a marvelous
post and a all round exciting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the moment but
I have bookmarked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will
be back to read more, Please do keep up the superb job.
Howdy! This blog post couldnít be written much better! Going through this post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this. I’ll send this information to him. Fairly certain he will have a great read. I appreciate you for sharing!
I’m amazed, I must say. Seldom do I come across a blog that’s both equally educative and amusing, and let me tell you, you have
hit the nail on the head. The issue is something not enough folks are speaking intelligently about.
I am very happy that I came across this during my search for something concerning this.
Hi there! I could have sworn Iíve been to this web site before but after looking at many of the posts I realized itís new to me. Anyhow, Iím definitely happy I discovered it and Iíll be bookmarking it and checking back often!
Let me know Vapor Attic vape store in 3911 N 10th Suite G offers vape juice manufactured by Sweets by Coastal Clouds? I have tried sending them an email at at info@genesisvapor.com
I was wondering if anyone knows what happened to Dime Piece LA celebrity streetwear brand? I cannot check out on Dimepiecela site. I’ve read in Cosmopolitan that they were bought out by a UK-based hedge fund for $50 million. I have just bought the Dimepiece Control the Guns Not Women’s Bodies Cuffed Beanie from Ebay and totally love it xox
Way cool! Some very valid points! I appreciate you penning this article and the rest of the site is extremely good.
http://admin.kpsearch.com/active/admin/customer/customer_email1_birthday.asp?item=&chname=gnc&strhomeurl=theocrv.com/rv-repair-shop-villa-park-california
Hello everybody ! can anyone advise where I can purchase KushyCBD CBD Caps Full Spectrum Gel Caps 1000mg?
https://rightsstatements.org/page/NoC-OKLR/1.0/?relatedURL=https://ocrv.me/rv-repair-shop-jurupa-valley-california
Mission accomplished. It’s good 🙂
Excellent post! We will be linking to this great post on our site. Keep up the good writing.
Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Thanks for supplying this info.
My brother recommended I may like this blog. He was once totally right.
This submit actually made my day. You can not believe simply how a lot time
I had spent for this information! Thank you!
This is radiant work, friend.
I’m pretty pleased to find this great site. I need to to thank you for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely really liked every little bit of it and i also have you saved to fav to check out new information in your web site.
I couldnít refrain from commenting. Exceptionally well written!
Good day! I could have sworn Iíve been to this blog before but after looking at some of the articles I realized itís new to me. Anyways, Iím certainly delighted I found it and Iíll be book-marking it and checking back regularly!
Oh my goodness! Incredible article dude! Many thanks, However I am experiencing problems with your RSS. I donít know why I can’t join it. Is there anybody else getting identical RSS problems? Anyone who knows the solution can you kindly respond? Thanks!!
Greetings from Idaho! I’m bored to death at work so I decided to browse your blog on my iphone
during lunch break. I love the knowledge you present here and can’t
wait to take a look when I get home. I’m shocked at how fast your
blog loaded on my phone .. I’m not even using WIFI,
just 3G .. Anyways, excellent blog!
You need to be a part of a contest for one of the greatest websites online. I will recommend this web site!
Everything is very open with a clear explanation of the issues. It was definitely informative. Your site is very useful. Thank you for sharing!
The very next time I read a blog, Hopefully it does not disappoint me as much as this one. After all, I know it was my choice to read through, nonetheless I genuinely believed you’d have something useful to talk about. All I hear is a bunch of complaining about something you could fix if you weren’t too busy searching for attention.
I like reading through an article that will make men and women think. Also, thank you for allowing for me to comment!
Very good post. I certainly love this site. Continue the good work!
I have to thank you for the efforts you have put in penning this blog. I’m hoping to check out the same high-grade content by you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my very own website now 😉
This is a good tip especially to those new to the blogosphere. Simple but very precise informationÖ Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read post!
Good blog post. I certainly appreciate this website. Keep it up!
These are really incredible thoughts in concerning blogging.
You have touched a few exceptional factors here.
Really loved this post.thank you! Keep writing.
Knowing how to backup QuickBooks Online is crucial if you want to prevent the loss of sensitive data. While QuickBooks itself doesn’t offer online backup options, there are some ways you can use backup QuickBooks Online. Read our guide till the end to know about the step-by-step guide on how to backup QuickBooks Online.
Spectrum is one of the best internet service providers in the USA. Spectrum internet installation is a simple task. It provides users with a range of services, like tv, Internet, and communication,. If you want spectrum activate modem then visit our website