Devices and methods for improving the coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus. This may be accomplished, for example, but shortening or stiffening the palatoglossal arch. Improved coupling between the soft palate and the genioglossus may be beneficial to a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as a stand-alone procedure, or in combination procedures and devices that cause anterior displacement of the tongue such as hypoglossal nerve stimulation, genioglossus advancement surgery, mandibular advancement surgery, mandibular advancement (oral) appliances, etc.