The Benefits of Bodywork for Infants with Tongue-Tie
written by your friendly neighborhood (South Bay Los Angeles) infant occupational therapist who also happens to be a lactation consultant 😉
If you’re curious about how bodywork can support infants with tongue tie, you're in the right place. In this thought piece, we'll explore the benefits, popular techniques, and tips for finding the best practitioners in Los Angeles and beyond.
What is Bodywork?
Bodywork refers to a range of skilled, passive movements that influence anatomical structures (like bones) or systems (such as the digestive or nervous systems). It's often recommended for infants to reduce tension, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being.
Why Consider Bodywork for Tongue-Tied Babies?
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, can impact a baby’s ability to feed effectively, leading to challenges like poor weight gain or discomfort. Bodywork can complement other interventions, such as frenectomy or lactation support, by addressing tension patterns and promoting optimal function.
“If someone suggests that your baby needs bodywork to improve feeding, it’s crucial to focus on selecting the most appropriate technique for your baby’s specific needs, rather than simply relying on the provider’s title or credentials.”
Benefits of Bodywork for Tongue-Tied Babies
Improved Feeding— Helps relieve tension impacting latch and suck.
Better Digestion— Reduces colic and improves stooling.
Enhanced Sleep— Promotes parasympathetic nervous system activation.
Parental Bonding— Builds confidence and reduces stress.
Popular Bodywork Techniques for Infants
Chiropractic Adjustment
Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to assess and treat musculoskeletal issues, including those affecting bones, muscles, and joints. They work on both bone and soft tissue, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and blood vessels. Common reasons for referring an infant to a chiropractor include:
cranial ridging (overlapping skull bones after birth)
birth interventions like forceps or vacuum delivery.
Colic, excessive gas, or reflux
Keep in mind that chiropractic care for infants is often not covered by insurance.
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine
In the United States, osteopaths are medical doctors (D.O.s) who attend medical school. However, not all D.O.s specialize in osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). Like chiropractors, they use hands-on techniques to manipulate bones and soft tissues, promoting structural changes to support healing. OMM techniques for breastfeeding infants often focus on the skull, trunk, and hips. Some D.O.s pursue additional training in cranial osteopathy, a specialized approach that addresses the entire body. You can find qualified providers through the Osteopathic Cranial Academy directory. Since D.O.s are physicians, their services are more likely to be reimbursed by insurance when a superbill is provided.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is based on the technique known as "osteopathy of the cranial field," as described earlier. This modality does not require a medical or allied health degree to learn or practice. In some states, a massage therapy license is needed to offer CST, but in California, no such licensure is required. As a result, anyone can learn and perform CST without formal oversight.
CST involves using a very light touch—about 5 grams, or the weight of a nickel—to assess and influence the rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid flow, typically by working on the skull, hips, and other parts of the body. This gentle approach carries minimal risk when performed by a trained practitioner. A 2019 study involving 84 infants in a randomized control trial found that CST significantly reduced crying time, lessened colic severity, and increased total sleep hours in infants with colic.
In my practice, I often use CST for symptoms related to colic and general autonomic nervous system dysregulation. However, when consistent tension patterns are present, I rarely use CST alone. I find that incorporating movement to engage the fascia is necessary for optimal results.
Myofascial Release (MFR)
“Myofascial” refers to both muscle (“myo”) and fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles and other structures. Myofascial Release (MFR) is a manual therapy technique that involves applying a low-load, long-duration stretch (typically around 90 seconds) to the myofascial complex. This approach aims to restore tissue length, reduce pain, and improve overall function.
Unlike some other techniques, MFR typically does not use a medium like oil, as it reduces the traction needed to effectively mobilize deeper tissues. While research on MFR shows mixed results, none of the studies specifically focus on infants. MFR is commonly practiced by physical therapists, occupational therapists, and massage therapists.
I frequently incorporate MFR into my practice. Since fascia contains both sensory and motor nerve receptors, I find that combining movement with touch enhances the effectiveness of the treatment.
Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT)
Also known as the Gillespie approach, Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) combines craniosacral principles from osteopathic work, myofascial release techniques, and insights from Gillespie’s background as a periodontist. This method has gained popularity among physical and occupational therapists in recent years. In many states, a massage therapy license is required to offer CFT as a paid service. CFT may appear similar to myofascial release and I’ve found that it often produces comparable clinical outcomes.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points along the body’s 2,000 acupuncture points, which are connected by meridians. Some parents may prefer Japanese acupuncture for infants, as it is considered a gentler approach, but the choice ultimately depends on personal preference.
Clinically, I’ve observed that many practitioners opt for acupressure—applying gentle pressure to acupuncture points—instead of using needles on babies. Additionally, some use silicone cupping as an alternative to traditional glass and fire cupping, providing a safe and effective way to support infants.
A systematic review of four randomized controlled trials on acupuncture for infantile colic found that it can be effective in reducing symptoms, including excessive crying, feeding difficulties, and stooling issues, with only minor adverse effects reported.
Reflexology
Reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, and ears using thumb, finger, and hand massage techniques. This method is typically performed without oil or lotion.
A systematic study involving 277 infants and children found that reflexology can offer several health benefits, including reducing pain, regulating heart rate, increasing oxygen saturation, and alleviating symptoms of infantile colic and neonatal abstinence syndrome.
Massage
Massage has the most extensive research supporting its benefits for infants. While various massage techniques exist, most studies focus on effleurage—smooth, consistent strokes. Massage is one of the oldest and most traditional forms of bodywork, remaining a staple postpartum practice in many cultures. In my humble opinion, it’s one of the most underutilized interventions for infants experiencing feeding challenges.
Benefits of Infant Massage Include:
Autonomic regulation— When completed with the baby on their belly, massage decreases the heart rate and increases oxygen saturation.
Increased stooling— Massaging for 15 minutes twice daily can significantly increase the frequency of bowel movements.
Digestion— In this systematic review and meta-analysis, “massage therapy significantly reduces the gastric residual volume and vomiting in preterm infants.”
Weight Gain— In a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials including a total of 697 participants, preterm infants that received “moderate” pressure massage, weight gain increased by an average of 5 g/day, and those that received light-pressure massage increased by 1 g/day.
Parent Mood— Massage not only benefits the baby but also improves the mood and well-being of mothers.
Honestly, the other modalities are nice, but if there aren’t any trained practitioners near you, or you have financial limitations, then rest assured that massage alone can be an incredibly effective and accessible option for your baby.
How to Find the Best Bodywork Practitioners in Los Angeles
Ask Your Network: Start with referrals from trusted healthcare providers already supporting you
Verify Qualifications: Ensure the practitioner has relevant training in infant bodywork.
Read Reviews: Check Google, Yelp, or social media for feedback from other parents.
Safety First: What Parents Need to Know
Bodywork is not highly regulated, particularly in California. In many other states, a massage therapy license is typically required to offer bodywork as a paid service. Therefore, if the provider you plan to use does not have any license, it’s essential to verify your provider’s credentials and training to ensure they have experience working with infants. Your baby’s safety and comfort should always come first.
Final Thoughts on Bodywork for Babies
Bodywork can be a valuable tool in supporting your baby's health, especially when dealing with feeding challenges like tongue-tie.
Many different techniques may be beneficial based on your baby’s individual needs.
It’s important to know why your infant is being referred for bodywork to ensure it is something that is best addressed via bodywork.
The common denominator of all techniques is touch– we can’t downplay the incredible importance of touch on the nervous system and overall well-being!
Remember, it should complement other therapeutic interventions and never replace necessary therapy. Feeding is a whole-body experience, involving strength, endurance, and coordination, of gross motor and oral motor function. If your baby needs to develop these skills, bodywork alone will not be enough to achieve that goal.
Interested in Booking a Session?
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For Professionals
Explore our course, Bodywork for Better Breastfeeding, on The Lactation OT.
