ARK's Blog

Spring is a season of growth, renewal, and fresh beginnings, making it the perfect time to focus on tools that support steady progress in myofunctional therapy. As a myofunctional therapist, I am always looking for ways to support my clients at every stage of growth and development, and ARK Therapeutic tools are designed to do exactly that.

In this blog post, I’ll be sharing several ARK tool sets and options that are especially helpful for progressing orofacial strength, coordination, and awareness as therapy advances. These tools allow both therapists and clients to build upon skills gradually, matching resistance and sensory input to each stage of development. Please note: this information is not a replacement for working with a trained myofunctional therapist to achieve optimal results.

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ARK’s Z-Vibe®

The Z-Vibe is an incredibly versatile tool that can grow alongside clients throughout therapy. The tactile and vibratory sensation it provides is especially helpful for increasing awareness and “waking up” the orofacial complex, including the lips, cheeks, and tongue. Much like springtime helps bring dormant systems back online, the Z-Vibe supports improved sensory awareness before layering in strength-based exercises.

Once clients feel comfortable and confident with this sensory input, they can progress to using a variety of attachments for both intraoral and extraoral stimulation.

Exercises for ARK’s Z-Vibe:

• Gently rub the tool on the cheeks and outside of the lips to explore the sensation.
• Turn the Z-Vibe on and allow the client to simply feel the vibration in their hand first.
• If tolerated, draw shapes on the client's cheeks and around the lips.
• As comfort and tolerance improve, gradually increase the repetitions or time spent with vibration turned on.
• Add attachments as sensitivity decreases and sensory awareness continues to build.

ARK proButton™ (and Button Tips for the Z-Vibe®)

The ARK proButton is an excellent starting tool for lip strengthening. It comes in four different "button" sizes, allowing clients to progress as lip strength and endurance build over time—without compensating through excessive facial tension.

For clients who benefit from additional sensory and tactile input, there are also tip attachment versions for the Z-Vibe to add vibration. These tips come in the same four graduated sizes, allowing clients to continue progressing while receiving enhanced sensory feedback.

Exercises for both:

• Place the button between the lips and the teeth.
• Gently pull outward while the client resists using the lips, holding for 3–5 seconds.
• Move from the center of the lips toward the corners as strength improves.
• Begin with the larger button to make the exercise easier, progressing to smaller sizes as lip strength increases.
• Work up to 3–5 second pulls around the lips for up to 2 minutes, twice daily.

ARK proSqueezer™ (and Squeezer Tips for the Z-Vibe®)

The ARK proSqueezer set is a wonderful tool for supporting key myofunctional goals such as establishing a proper lip seal and correct tongue posture. The three different options offer graduated resistance, allowing clients to progress naturally as strength develops. The V-shape design provides an increasing challenge as the lips squeeze inward.

Similar to the button tools, tip attachment versions for the Z-Vibe® are also available for added sensory input and enhanced awareness through vibration. 

Exercises for both:

• Place the tip of the squeezer between the lips while the mouth is open.
• Gently squeeze using the top and bottom lips only, avoiding the teeth or other facial muscles.
• Release and repeat, holding for 3–5 seconds.
• Work up to 2 minutes, twice daily.
• Start with the easiest resistance level and progress gradually to the harder ones to support steady, sustainable growth.

ARK proBarbell™ Set for Lip Closure and Strength

These tools are not only cute, but extremely effective. Just like traditional weight training, starting light is ideal. In myofunctional therapy, DIY tools using coins, tape, and tongue depressors are sometimes used, but the ARK proBarbell set offers a safer, more consistent option—especially for children.

The set includes two barbells: a lighterweight blue barbell and a heavier green barbell. Once a client can hold the blue barbell without compensations, they can progress to the green barbell as strength and control improve.

Exercises for the ARK proBarbell Set:

• Place the blue barbell between the lips.
• Hold for as long as possible while watching in a mirror for any facial tension or compensations.
• Work up to 2 minutes, twice daily.
• Once mastered, repeat the same exercise using the green barbell.

Summary

Just as spring reminds us that growth happens gradually and with consistency, myofunctional therapy is most effective when tools and exercises are matched thoughtfully to each stage of development. These are just a few of the many ways ARK Therapeutic oral motor tools can be used to grow with clients throughout a myofunctional therapy program.

This season is a wonderful time to explore these tools with your clients and observe how increased sensory awareness, strength, and coordination help their myofunctional skills continue to bloom.

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About Juli Keating, OMT, RDH

I began my career as a dental hygienist, but my journey into myofunctional therapy started at home. After learning about orofacial myofunctional disorders and how they affected my own family, I felt called to help others in the same way.

I'm passionate about helping people discover the missing pieces of their health puzzle and understand how oral function impacts the whole body. I founded Spero Myofunctional Therapy, LLC in the Houston, Texas area and continue to grow through ongoing education in this ever-evolving field.

Outside of work, I enjoy walking my dog, staying active, and spending time with my family.

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