Paediatric Physiotherapy: Essential in Treating Torticollis in Children
Torticollis, also known as “wry neck”, is a condition where a child’s (or babies) head is tilted to one side while the chin is turned to the opposite side. This condition can be congenital, or acquired, developing later in childhood. Regardless of its origin, torticollis can significantly impact a child’s physical development and overall well-being. Paediatric physiotherapy has proven to be an effective treatment option, offering a non-invasive approach to managing and correcting this condition.
Understanding Torticollis
Torticollis involves the shortening or excessive contraction of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, a large muscle that runs along both sides of the neck. The primary types of torticollis are:
Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT): This form is present at birth and is often due to the baby’s positioning in the womb or from a difficult delivery, leading to muscle tightening or a palpable mass within the SCM.
Acquired Torticollis:This can develop later due to factors such as trauma, infections, or underlying neurological conditions. Commonly kids can also sleep funny and wake up with a wry neck, which can be quite scary and painful… albeit temporarily thankfully.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Treating Torticollis
Physiotherapy is crucial in the early intervention and ongoing management of torticollis, especially for infants and young children. Here’s how paediatric physio helps:
Gentle Stretching and Active Positioning
One of the core components of physiotherapy for torticollis is gentle stretching exercises aimed at lengthening the shortened SCM muscle. These stretches are carefully performed by the physiotherapist and taught to parents for consistent practice at home. Additionally, proper positioning techniques during feeding, play, and sleep are recommended to encourage the child to turn their head in the opposite direction, promoting muscle balance.
Strengthening Exercises
Strengthening exercises focus on the weaker neck muscles to improve overall neck strength and symmetry. By strengthening these muscles, physiotherapists help children achieve better head control and alignment. These exercises are often incorporated into playful activities, making the sessions enjoyable and engaging for the child.
Tummy Time
For infants, tummy time is essential. Tummy time helps to strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles, encouraging head movement and reducing the preference for turning the head to one side. Paediatric physio’s guide parents on safe and effective ways to increase tummy time, ensuring the child’s comfort and safety.
Monitoring of head shape and developmental milestones
A child with torticollis is at risk of head shape irregularities (eg. Plagiocephaly – link to read more on another article). Regular monitoring of a child’s head shape and neck range of motion are crucial components of physiotherapy assessment in children with torticollis. Physiotherapists can also monitor gross motor developmental milestones and ensure there is no underlying causes for the asymmetry. Ongoing evaluation helps in identifying any additional interventions required and provides reassurance to parents about their child’s progress.
Benefits of Early Intervention
Early intervention through physiotherapy offers numerous benefits for children with torticollis:
– Preventing Long-term Complications: Early treatment can prevent potential long-term complications such as facial asymmetry, plagiocephaly (flattening of the skull)
– Enhancing Motor Development: By addressing torticollis early, physiotherapy supports the child’s overall motor development, enabling them to achieve milestones such as rolling, sitting, and crawling more effectively.
– Promoting Symmetrical Growth: Physiotherapy helps ensure symmetrical muscle development and head alignment, promoting balanced growth and posture.
– Reducing Parental Anxiety: Early and effective treatment can alleviate parental concerns and provide them with the tools and knowledge to support their child’s recovery.
Conclusion
Paediatric physio plays a pivotal role in the treatment of torticollis in children. Through a combination of gentle stretching, strengthening exercises, manual therapy, and parental education, physiotherapy helps correct head alignment, promotes symmetrical development, and enhances overall motor skills. Early intervention and a personalised approach ensure that children with torticollis can achieve their full potential, leading to improved quality of life and well-being. All Sorted Physiotherapy Gladstone support patients in all surrounding suburbs including Boyne Island, West Gladstone, Barney point, Callemondah, Kin Kora, Clinton, Toolooa, Telina & New Auckland, Kirkwood.