Athletic Performance

Athletes require mental acuity and focus to compete at the highest levels. And, with rigorous workouts, athletes need physical recovery. Quality sleep is important for all of these functions: mental acuity, focus, and physical recovery. At Phelps & Cohen Orthodontics, we are dedicated to optimizing breathing efficiency to help amateur and professional athletes get the best sleep possible. It is important to note that airway obstruction (airflow limitation) can cause other issues as well. For example, it has been shown that nasal obstruction and/or jaw joint dysfunction can cause forward head posture leading to full body postural compensation and compromised balance. This is evident in shoulder cants (one shoulder lower than the other), hip cants, and foot rotation (feet tend to rotate out as the head goes forward). This type of postural compensation can hinder performance and also predispose athletes to injury, especially ankle and knee injuries. At Phelps & Cohen Orthodontics, we screen for not only airway obstruction (nasal and pharyngeal airways), but we also screen for orthopedic position of the lower jaw (mandible) in the temporomandibular joints (TMJs) and for postural compensation. Remember the 'Rule of 3s'! We can live without food for 3 weeks, without water for 3 days, and without oxygen for 3 minutes…breathing efficiency is important!

To schedule an appointment with Phelps & Cohen Orthodontics, please contact us from your nearest location or enter your appointment request here.