Torticollis

Does your baby prefer to look in one direction?

The problem may actually be coming from a muscle on the opposite side of the neck! The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) is a muscle in the neck that’s function is to rotate to neck to the opposite side and tilt the neck to the same side.

𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬 occurs when the SCM is shortened or contracted, resulting in a preference to look in one direction and/or tilt in the opposite direction.

Commonly, we see a shortened left SCM which leads to right rotation and a left tilt. ⁣

What causes torticollis?⁣

Torticollis may be a result of positioning in the womb, stretching of the muscle during birth, or the muscle may become tight because the baby has a preference to look to one side only.⁣

Why do we want to treat torticollis? ⁣

• A baby who has decreased neck range of motion (ROM) and a preference to look in one direction can develop a positional plagiocephaly, commonly known as infant “flat head” (See our last blog post!)

• Finding midline (the middle) is an important developmental skill and can be delayed in babies who have torticollis ⁣

• Integration of certain reflexes (e.g. ATNR) can be delayed with a persistent head preference ⁣

Treatment for torticollis involves gentle stretching and strengthening of baby’s neck muscles and positioning strategies to reduce a preference for one side. ⁣

If you notice that your baby has a tendency to look more towards one direction, speak to your healthcare provider for advice. 

Side Sitting

Side sitting is one of our favourite seated positions, not only for infants, but children (and adults) of all ages! What is so great about side-sitting, you may ask? ⁣⁣

• It encourages a more upright posture than cross-legged or ring sitting⁣⁣

• It is an important developmental position for transitions (i.e. for a baby to get from sitting to 4-point)⁣⁣

• It optimizes hip mobility without putting the joint at risk⁣⁣

• It engages the core and trunk muscles ⁣⁣

• Facilitates cross-body movements ⁣⁣

⁣Perhaps the next time you and your child sit on the floor you might try this one out! Just remember to practice both sides to prevent any asymmetries.⁣⁣