Specializing in the treatment of torticollis through telehealth in the state of Georgia
Together We Can
Specializing in the treatment of torticollis through telehealth in the state of Georgia
Together We Can
WHAT IS TORTICOLLIS?
Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) is usually noticed at birth or shortly after birth. CMT causes changes to your posture that is usually due to shortening and fibrosis or thickening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) on one side of the neck. This causes a tilt to one side and a turn to the opposite side. CMT is a very common cause of neck problems in infants. Any preference of one side of the neck or tightness of one side of the neck is also considered a form of Torticollis.
TYPICAL PRESENTATION OF TORTICOLLIS
Left Torticollis – Left SCM is tight
Tilt to the left – Left ear leaning to left shoulder
Turn to the right – Chin turned to right shoulder
Right Torticollis – Right SCM is tight
Tilt to the right – Right ear leaning to right shoulder
Turn to the left – Chin turned to left shoulder
POSTURAL CHARACTERISTICS OF TORTICOLLIS
* Tilt of the head and neck to the tight side
* Tilt of the body to the tight side
* Arm on the tight side turned in
* Hip on the tight side turned out
* Shoulder on the tight side is higher
WHAT CAUSES CONGENITAL MUSCULAR TORTICOLLIS?
Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) is caused by damage to or shortening of the (SCM) muscle in an infant’s neck. Sometimes, there is a hematoma or lump in the muscle where it was damaged. The lump will usually go away as the muscle heals and is stretched. The most common causes of CMT are position of the baby during pregnancy, lack of space for the baby during pregnancy, trauma or injury at birth, pregnancy of more than one baby and not enough fluid surrounding the baby during pregnancy.
MOVEMENT ASYMMETRIES
- Your baby may also have movement asymmetries as they start to get stronger and get more movement. Asymmetry means not equal. Asymmetries happen when the two sides of the body are not being used the same way. This can be strength that is not the same on both sides or movement that is not the same on both sides. Your baby may also have increased strength or prefer to use one side because of spasm or shortening of that muscle tissue. Over time, muscles that are shorter on one side can cause muscles that are longer on the other side. If your child begins to show signs of movement asymmetries, therapy will also focus on making the unaffected side stronger. This will help to develop a balance between the use of both sides.
Movement asymmetries include:
* Rotation of the head toward the affected side occurring with neck extended backward
* Rotation toward the unaffected side occurring with neck flexed forward
* Transitions such as rolling or moving from sitting to tummy occurring primarily toward the affected side.
* Postural tilt of the neck and trunk in independent sitting occurring toward the affected side
WHY DOES MY CHILD’S FACE/HEAD APPEAR ASYMMETRICAL?
Facial Asymmetry
Asymmetries of the jaw and cheek may also be present. This happens because of muscle tightness on one side. Your therapist may give you exercises and stretches to improve the pull of the muscles on the jaw or lower face.
Positional Plagiocephaly
Children with torticollis may have asymmetries of the head. This change happens when a baby lays on one side of their head. Asymmetries of the head can also lead to a change in your child’s ears or eyes. You may be given ideas for positioning to improve your child’s plagiocephaly.
WHY DOES MY CHILD’S FACE/HEAD APPEAR ASYMMETRICAL?
Facial Asymmetry
Asymmetries of the jaw and cheek may also be present. This happens because of muscle tightness on one side. Your therapist may give you exercises and stretches to improve the pull of the muscles on the jaw or lower face.
Positional Plagiocephaly
Children with torticollis may have asymmetries of the head. This change happens when a baby lays on one side of their head. Asymmetries of the head can also lead to a change in your child’s ears or eyes. You may be given ideas for positioning to improve your child’s plagiocephaly.
WHY DOES MY CHILD’S FACE/HEAD APPEAR ASYMMETRICAL?
Facial Asymmetry
Asymmetries of the jaw and cheek may also be present. This happens because of muscle tightness on one side. Your therapist may give you exercises and stretches to improve the pull of the muscles on the jaw or lower face.
Positional Plagiocephaly
Children with torticollis may have asymmetries of the head. This change happens when a baby lays on one side of their head. Asymmetries of the head can also lead to a change in your child’s ears or eyes. You may be given ideas for positioning to improve your child’s plagiocephaly.
Early Intervention is Optimal
You will never be on a waiting list with Milestones Pediatric PT!
HOW IS TORTICOLLIS TREATED?
Our therapist will do an evaluation that will assess you child’s primary impairments. Your therapist will then develop a comprehensive program that will focus on lengthening the muscles on the affected side and strengthening the muscles on the opposing side. By creating a balance in the length and strength of the muscles in your child’s neck and body we can develop better posture and improve any movement asymmetries that may be present. You will be given exercises to help your baby with his or her development and to promote positioning and playing on the tummy.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP MY CHILD WITH TORTICOLLIS?
* Supervised tummy time when your child is awake is very important for children with torticollis. It will help make the neck stronger, make the muscles at the front of the neck longer, and improve or prevent plagiocephaly.
* Encourage symmetry as much as you can at home during your regular daily activities. Make sure that your baby’s head is held straight when you are giving them a bottle or when they are being held. Make sure that you put toys on both sides of your baby so they turn to both sides when they are playing. Every time your baby learns to do something new, make sure they are doing it to both sides or with both hands.
* Your therapist will give you exercises to do at home. Doing exercises at home is the best way for your baby to get better.