Objective: Tethered oral tissues (TOTs), including ankyloglossia and restrictive labial frenula, are recognized contributors to breastfeeding dysfunction. Clinical assessment typically focuses on intraoral mobility; however, some clinicians report associated musculoskeletal tension patterns involving the cervical spine, rib cage, and pelvis. These relationships remain incompletely described. This case report describes the clinical presentation and interdisciplinary management of an infant with breastfeeding dysfunction and tethered oral tissues evaluated using the Wing Method, a structured observational framework integrating oral and musculoskeletal assessment.
Clinical Features: A 1-month-old had breastfeeding difficulties, including poor latch stability, prolonged feeding duration, maternal nipple discomfort, and audible clicking during feeds. The baby demonstrated intraoral restrictions, including lingual frenulum limitation and varying degrees of labial or buccal tethering. Observational assessment using the Wing Method identified consistent musculoskeletal tension patterns involving the cervical spine, shoulder girdle, rib cage, and pelvis.
Intervention and Outcome: Interdisciplinary care included lactation management by International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), frenotomy performed by trained providers, and conservative manual therapy focused on improving cervical mobility, rib cage expansion, and diaphragmatic breathing mechanics. We observed Improvements in tongue mobility, cervical rotation symmetry, rib cage expansion, and feeding efficiency. Caregiver reports indicated shorter feeding duration and improved latch stability.
Conclusion: This case suggests that infants presenting with tethered oral tissues and breastfeeding dysfunction may also demonstrate patterns of global musculoskeletal tension. The Wing Method may provide a structured observational framework for documenting these relationships. Further research is needed to evaluate reliability and clinical relevance.
Author keywords: Ankyloglossia; Tethered Oral Tissues; Breastfeeding Dysfunction; Frenotomy; Infant Musculoskeletal Tension; WING Method
This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher. Click on the above link for free full text.
|
