Torticollis: What is it anyway?

Commonly known as "wry neck," torticollis is a condition where an infant's neck muscles tighten, causing their head to tilt to one side and their chin to rotate toward the opposite shoulder. This condition can affect an infant’s ability to move their head freely. Torticollis can affect overall development as it can lead to movement difficulties, including asymmetical movement patterns.

What Causes Torticollis?

Torticollis is thought to be caused by tightening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which runs from the base of the skull to the collarbone. This tightening can be due to various factors, including positioning in the womb, birth trauma, lack of movement or time spent on the same side during early months.

This is the “traditional” definition of torticollis. Now let me tell from my many years of experience treating babies that torticollis is not an isolated neck problem: Everything is connected! The myofascial system connects the entire body, from head to toe (literally). Tension in the muscles and fascia anywhere could exert a pull on the neck muscles. In most of the babies I see for torticollis treatment, I see that the “problem” is often in the trunk. I also see asymmetrical head position in infants with tethered oral tissues (aka tongue and lip ties). If the problem is coming from somewhere else in the body, stretching the neck is essentially a bandaid solution.

What if I told you that torticollis can be treated without uncomfortable painful neck stretches?

Now that I have you at the edge of your seat, let me tell you about Total Motion Release Tots & Teens. TMR Tots is a unique method that focuses on the whole body rather than just the affected area. Unlike traditional physical therapy, which often centers on directly stretching the neck, TMR Tots uses a global approach to balance the body's movement patterns. This technique helps the infant release tension in muscles that may not seem directly involved but are affecting the entire body’s ability to function optimally.

TMR Tots techniques are gentle because all releases and activities happen into the baby’s “direction of ease”. In other words, tight tissue is approximated instead of pulled apart. Tightness is tension, and stretching is adding tension if you really think about it. Bringing tight tissues together relaxes muscles and fascia, unlocking mobility almost immediately. The other component of TMR Tots is retraining the brain and the body to work together once myofascial restrictions are cleared. This is the basis for motor learning and long lasting gains in strength, alignment, and movement control.

Additional Benefits of TMR Tots in Treating Infants with Torticollis:

1. Faster Results: TMR Tots encourages faster improvement because it addresses the body as a unit. The results are often seen more quickly than with traditional stretching routines, which often only target the neck muscles. Improvement in head position is often seen within the same session!

 2. Minimal Discomfort: The TMR Tots technique is gentle, often leading to less resistance and discomfort for the baby, making it easier for parents to follow through with at-home exercises.

3. Whole-Body Alignment: By focusing on total body motion, TMR Tots helps correct compensatory patterns in muscles beyond the neck. This holistic approach leads to better postural alignment and improved motor skills as the baby grows.

4. Parental Involvement: TMR Tots empowers parents with simple, yet highly effective, techniques they can use at home. This involvement is key to reinforcing progress between therapy sessions. No crying, no fuss. Happy babies and happy parents!

5. Sustainability: Because TMR Tots treats the root cause of imbalances and movement restrictions, it offers long-lasting relief from torticollis.

Why Choose a TMR Tots Trained Pediatric Physical Therapist?

A pediatric physical therapist trained in TMR Tots has specialized expertise that extends beyond traditional approaches. They are skilled at using advanced and innovative techniques that optimize movement patterns, offering quicker and more comprehensive results. This makes a TMR Tots therapist the ideal choice for parents seeking the best possible outcomes!

When you work with a TMR Tots trained therapist, you’re investing in a treatment approach that not only resolves torticollis but also promotes better movement, balance, and motor development for your child.

Conclusion

With the right intervention, torticollis can be treated effectively and efficiently. Pediatric physical therapy, particularly when provided by a TMR Tots trained therapist, offers a comprehensive solution that goes beyond traditional methods. This whole-body approach results in quicker, more sustainable improvements, ensuring that your child has the best opportunity for healthy development.

If your child is showing signs of torticollis or has already been diagnosed, don't wait! Early intervention is key to achieving the best possible outcomes!

Book your FREE torticollis screening with Dr. Mendonça, a TMR Tots-trained provider today.

If you’d like to learn more about TMR Tots & Teens, click here.