Intervene Early.
Research indicates that babies who begin treatment earlier resolve faster and with better outcome than those who begin later. Early treatment is important because it can be a big challenge to effectively perform the exercises on a child as he/she becomes older, stronger and more mobile. Treatment can begin as early as the first signs of torticollis are detected.
Early treatment of torticollis is also critical in preventing long-term negative effects on growth and development.
- Plagiocephaly reported in up to 90% of babies with CMT
- Craniofacial asymmetries noted to varying degrees in up to 80% of babies wtih CMT (ie ear, eye, cheek, jaw line, forehead on one side of face is smaller or shifted forward compared to other side)
- Asymmetric alignment of head and body
- Musculoskeletal imbalances
- Poor postural control/reactions
- Spinal scoliosis
- Asymmetric and/or delayed motor development
Successful Outcomes.
Resolution of torticollis will vary for each child depending on several factors: initial severity, degree of range of motion restriction, onset of treatment, and consistency of parents/caregivers in performing the home exercise program.
In a study which included 1086 infants with torticollis, 95% who received physical therapy treatment including manual stretching had successful resolution of the torticollis. Approximately 5% of children, those with severe or persistent CMT, eventually required surgical release of the SCM for complete resolution. Surgery was recommended only for those who had significant head tilt and restriction of rotation that was unresponsive to at least 6 months of physical therapy.
