Tongue ties are more common than many parents realize—and their effects can go far beyond breastfeeding struggles. For many infants, a tongue tie (also known as a ankyloglossia) creates tension and compensation patterns throughout the entire body, affecting feeding, digestion, breathing, and development.
At Live LOUD Chiropractic in Lafayette, CO, we specialize in chiropractic bodywork for babies with oral ties, helping support not just the mouth, but the whole baby. Whether your little one is preparing for a tongue tie release or you’re looking for natural ways to support post-release healing, bodywork can make a significant difference in outcomes.
In this post, we’ll explain what tongue ties are, how they affect the body, and how chiropractic care and bodywork support better function, feeding, and long-term development.
What Is a Tongue Tie?
A tongue tie happens when the small band of tissue under the tongue, called the lingual frenulum, is too tight, thick, or short. This keeps the tongue from moving the way it should and can make feeding hard for both baby and mom
Babies with tongue ties may have trouble latching or staying latched when breastfeeding, and some make clicking or gulping sounds while they nurse. Because they cannot move milk well, they may swallow extra air, which can lead to gas, reflux, and fussiness. Moms often feel pain or soreness while feeding, and babies may also have restless sleep or tightness in their jaw, neck, and shoulders. Sometimes a lip tie or cheek tie is also present, which can cause even more strain in the baby’s body.
How Tongue Ties Affect the Whole Body
The tongue is deeply connected to the rest of the body through fascia. When the tongue is restricted, it can create tension patterns in the jaw, neck, shoulders, diaphragm, and even down to the pelvis.
- Shallow or labored breathing
- Tightness in the upper neck or shoulders
- Poor weight gain
- Poor digestion and elimination
- pain while nursing
Understanding Tongue Tie Revisions
A tongue tie release, also called a frenectomy, is a simple procedure that frees the tight tissue under the tongue so it can move more naturally. By improving tongue motion, babies are able to latch better, transfer milk more effectively, and use their mouth muscles the way they were designed to
When a baby has a tongue tie, a revision or release can be an important step to restore movement in the mouth and improve feeding. But the procedure alone does not always solve the problem. The tongue, jaw, and neck often carry tension from weeks or even months of restricted movement, and without addressing these patterns, babies may continue to struggle with latch, swallowing, or comfort. This is where gentle chiropractic bodywork plays an essential role.
Chiropractic care after a tongue tie revision helps release stored tension in the muscles, joints, and fascia of the jaw, neck, and upper body. It supports the nervous system so the brain and body can learn new, healthy movement patterns. With bodywork, babies can use their new tongue mobility more effectively, leading to better breastfeeding, improved digestion, calmer sleep, and overall comfort. Pairing tongue tie revisions with chiropractic adjustments creates a more complete approach, helping babies not only gain motion but also function, so they can feed, grow, and thrive with ease.
Why Parents Choose Live LOUD Chiropractic for Support
We understand the emotional and physical challenges that come with feeding struggles. Our care for babies with tongue and lip ties combines gentle pediatric chiropractic adjustments, cranial and fascial bodywork, and guidance for feeding and latch support. We also work closely with IBCLCs, pediatric dentists, and other bodyworkers to make sure your baby receives complete, compassionate care in a supportive, family-friendly environment.
Whether your baby is just a few weeks old or several months into their feeding journey, we are here to help. If your little one is struggling with latch issues, feeding tension, or has been diagnosed with a tongue or lip tie, we invite you to schedule a consultation. Gentle chiropractic care and bodywork can make a powerful difference in your baby’s comfort, function, and overall development. We are proud to serve families in Lafayette, CO and the surrounding Boulder County area, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
