Where the Muscles Are Located
The hyoid muscles are a group of small but essential muscles located in the anterior neck, connected to the hyoid bone—a floating bone at the base of the jaw that doesn’t articulate with any other bone. These muscles are categorized into suprahyoid (above the hyoid) and infrahyoid (below the hyoid) groups.
Key suprahyoid muscles include:
- Stylohyoid: Extends from the styloid process of the skull to the hyoid bone.
- Digastric: Has two bellies connecting the mandible, hyoid bone, and mastoid process.
- Mylohyoid: Forms the floor of the mouth and runs from the mandible to the hyoid.
These muscles help elevate, depress, and move the hyoid bone forward—actions essential for swallowing, speaking, and jaw stabilization.
Different Ways to Engage
- Swallowing Simulation: Swallow slowly and deliberately, focusing on the upward movement of the throat and base of the jaw.
- Tongue Press Activation: Press the tongue firmly into the roof of the mouth and hold, engaging the mylohyoid.
- Jaw Opening Hold: Slowly open your mouth while resisting the motion with your fingers under the chin to engage the digastric.
- Forward Glide Drill: Slide the jaw forward gently and hold, which activates the hyoid group in coordination with surrounding muscles.
- Neck Flex + Swallow: Tuck the chin slightly and swallow—this increases the challenge and enhances muscular engagement.
How Long to Hold Flex for Muscle Growth
- Beginner: 5–8 seconds per hold, 2–3 sets
- Intermediate: 10–15 seconds, 3–4 sets
- Advanced: 20–30 seconds with integrated movement (such as resisted jaw opening or extended tongue press), 4–5 sets
Practice 3–5 times per week, especially if focusing on neck function, vocal work, or facial muscle balance.
Different Levels of Skill
- Beginner: Learn basic awareness of swallowing and tongue movements without strain.
- Intermediate: Add isometric holds and directional control of the jaw and hyoid.
- Advanced: Combine muscle engagement with breath control, head positioning, or vocal exercises for maximum functional benefit.
How It Supports Other Muscles
- Infrahyoid Muscles: These balance and stabilize hyoid motion, especially during neck extension and swallowing.
- Suprahyoid and Jaw Muscles: Coordinate with the digastric and mylohyoid for chewing, speaking, and airway control.
- Neck Flexors and Extensors: Rely on a stable hyoid for efficient head movement and posture.
- Tongue Musculature: Works closely with the hyoid muscles for articulation, pronunciation, and breath support.
The hyoid muscle group plays a critical role in speech, swallowing, and postural control of the lower face and neck. Strengthening and refining control of these muscles can improve vocal function, reduce jaw tension, and contribute to a more supported head and neck posture.
