Your long-awaited baby smiles and coos, looking into the very depths of your soul with his devoted and loving look. You catch his every new movement, smile, sound ... And suddenly you notice that something has gone wrong ...
The baby always turns his head in only one direction, even if it would be more convenient for him to do exactly the opposite, he still keeps his head always in one direction.
These symptoms may not always mean the presence of torticollis in infants.
There is also a false torticollis - this is a manifestation of hypertonicity of the muscles of the cervical region as a result of a general hypertonicity of the muscles of the body. This is no longer an orthopedic, but a neurological problem, and complications from it are much easier and less pronounced.
Torticollis in infants can be divided into several main types (depending on the cause):
The most common form of torticollis in infants is a congenital pathology of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
In the first two weeks of a baby's life, it is almost impossible to identify a tendency to develop torticollis. There may be similar symptoms, but they are often imaginary.
Particular attention should be paid to babies born with a breech presentation. When pulling the baby by the head during childbirth, stretching or tearing of the muscle responsible for the symmetry of the position of the neck can occur. You can begin to distinguish the symptoms of the disease as early as the beginning of the third week of life.
Mom is unlikely to feel the difference herself, but an experienced pediatrician will definitely notice this. He should feel the region of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and exclude the formation of thickenings. If you are afraid that your baby may be at risk, be sure to ask the doctor during patronage to check this point.
It's important to know: maximum muscle thickening occurs between 5 and 6 months. This is the time when even a mother can notice obvious symptoms of the development of torticollis in an infant. But by 7-8 months, the thickening can completely disappear, and the child will show more serious and pronounced signs already in behavior and movements.
In babies up to a year, muscle deformations are not very pronounced, but this does not indicate the degree of development of the pathology in the future. However, timely detection of violations, treatment and prevention can save the mother and child from a more difficult struggle with the disease in the future.
If you do not take time to eliminate torticollis in infants, by the age of 3-6 years, secondary symptoms will begin to appear. The muscular system and even the skeleton of the child gradually adapts to the non-standard position of the muscles and the deformation of the whole body as a whole begins.
The face of the patient undergoes pronounced changes. The affected side decreases in size compared to the healthy one, the immobile muscles atrophy. The formation of a pronounced S-shaped scoliosis - almost inevitable outcome in the absence of timely treatment.
There is also bilateral torticollis in infants. As a rule, one of the sides is more affected, and then the disease is diagnosed as unilateral, with an emphasis on the expressed side. At the same time, both halves of the child's shoulder girdle can undergo deformation over time.
Not always the curvature of the base of the neck and the one-sided landing of the head means that the baby has torticollis. The following diseases are similar manifestations:
To accurately diagnose the pathology, radiography and neurosonography of the cervical spine should be performed.
Vigilant mothers should not immediately panic when symptoms of torticollis are detected. With a timely appeal to an orthopedist, you can determine which of the ways to fix the problem will have to go. There are two main types of treatment for torticollis in children: conservative and operational.
From the age of two weeks, the baby can begin to deal with such a frightening disease at first glance. An experienced orthopedist or massage therapist will put the baby on its feet with regular exercises, helping the muscles develop and eliminating the pathology.
As you know, the body of a baby up to a year is able to work wonders. The most terrible ailments disappear as quickly as they appeared, if you react in a timely manner and seek qualified help from an experienced specialist.
Regularly turn the head from the healthy side to the affected one, without exerting pressure. Exercises are done delicately and gently. You just need to play with the child and caress him. At the same time, he will activate an unhealthy muscle with the same frequency and develop it.
The sore side can be lightly massaged with soft stroking movements, without pressure and tingling. Mother's hands not only help in activating the baby's movements, but feed him with positive energy, give him strength, calm the nervous system, and give positive emotions. With such a set of "tools" mom will definitely help the baby to overcome the disease!
For prevention purposes, the child should be laid on a healthy half facing the wall. As a result, an inquisitive baby will himself persistently strive to turn his head to the weakened side in order to observe the events in the room. The natural instinct to explore the environment will help the baby overcome torticollis if the parents create the necessary conditions for the development of lagging muscles.
Place your baby on your tummy often. This position is beneficial for babies in many ways, and one of the beneficial effects of lying down is to activate all the muscles in the neck and make it easier for the baby to turn his head.
Holding the baby in your arms while sitting, lay him with his tummy on your knees. And when walking with him, hold horizontally with your chest on your arm. The more the baby raises his head in this position, the better the sternocleidomastoid muscle will be developed. If the baby requires to be kept in an upright position, lift him up, limit the view from the healthy side and then he will begin to actively turn to the weakened side.
Mom's efforts alone may not be enough, this is just an additional therapy to the general complex treatment. In parallel, absorbable physiotherapy (for example, electrophoresis) should be carried out. The beneficial effects of massage by a specialist, mother's diligence and physiotherapy procedures in the vast majority of cases lead to positive results. The baby manages to get rid of torticollis.
If no positive dynamics is observed by the age of 11-12 months, then one has to resort to surgical intervention.
Depending on the degree and type of torticollis, operations are carried out in two main directions: dissection of the sternocleidomastoid muscle or its plastic lengthening.
From birth, decorate the baby's bed with a bright side on all sides. The baby will turn his head in all directions, equally developing the muscles of the neck. The same should be done for toys. They need to be laid out on all sides of the crib.
If the bed is against the wall, then the baby will follow the world around him in only one direction. Place the bed in the center of the room. Approach it from different angles. You can hang bright mobiles or balls around the room.
A hard mattress will help the baby, the head will not fall through, the formation of posture will begin from the first days of life, if the baby is provided with a light load that does not depress him.
You can increase the load on the cervical muscles by building your own simulator for muscle development. A tight roller is twisted from a towel or a roll of gauze and placed under the baby's neck.
A bag of cereals, coarse salt or sand, laid on both sides of the baby's neck, will serve as an alternative to massage. By constantly turning the head, the child will knead stagnant muscles.
Carefully! If the baby often burps, then such a simulator can serve as a source of danger for him.
Gymnastics in a pool or filled bath with water at a comfortable temperature is one of the miraculous methods that actively fight torticollis in infants.
First of all, we should expect drastic changes in appearance: asymmetry of the face, shoulder girdle, curvature of the spine. Consequently: development of strabismus, tongue-tied tongue, possibly even lameness.
Malnutrition of the brain leads to neurological disorders. The work of the vegetative-vascular system of the body is disrupted, the blood circulation of the brain becomes insufficient, oxygen starvation appears, and as a result, neurology of various degrees and manifestations.
Such a baby will sit down, start to crawl and go later than the others. Children with torticollis crawl asymmetrically, they walk poorly, because they develop flat feet and impaired musculoskeletal function and the ability to maintain good balance.
As a result of deformation of the skull and muscles of the face, hearing and vision impairments may occur in the weakened half.
Headaches and vegetative-vascular dystonia are constant companions of a baby with untreated torticollis.
The mechanism of development of pathology is very simple. Due to the lack of activity of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, it shortens and thickens. All the muscles of the neck and face in a fixed area are deformed more and more.
Therefore, from the beginning of the second week of life, doctors have shown to actively treat torticollis with massage, exercise therapy and physiotherapy in order to increase blood circulation in this area, develop muscle, prevent scarring, and dissolve hematomas, if any have formed as a result of injury.
As shown by many years of experience of all the mothers of the world, you can get rid of torticollis forever in the first year of life. It is necessary to make an effort, love your baby deeply, give him confidence in his abilities, working on the fight against the disease hourly - at the moments of sleep, walks, games and bathing. And the baby will definitely get better!
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Congenital torticollis in newborns is a fairly common disease. This anomaly is more common in boys than in girls. The turn of the neck is predominantly to the right.
Most orthopedists believe that torticollis in newborns is primarily a congenital defect, most often obtained during childbirth. Babies who were born even by caesarean section are not immune from this disease. It is worth noting that in infants with gluteal diligence of the fetus, it is more common than in others. To accurately determine the cause of this diagnosis, consultation of specialists is required: Pediatrician, Orthopedist, Neurologist.
With the treatment of torticollis, it is better not to delay, but to start from two weeks of age. The forced position of the head of the baby can lead to asymmetry of the face and skull. At an older age, left untreated, torticollis leads to scoliosis (curvature of the spine) and facial deformity. The older the child, the more difficult it is to treat.
Productive results include:
Bath session Torticollis circle Water torticollis massage
If the signs of torticollis are caused by some common disease, then it must be treated as well. First of all, the result depends on the participation and activity of the baby's parents in the treatment. Massage in this disease, however, as in any case, is best entrusted to a specialist. An experienced massage therapist will help achieve a better result than parents at home.
Massage to do 3 times a day, for 5 - 8 minutes.
Parents can also do a lot for their child at home, for example, treatment with a position. It must be carried out constantly independently in the arms of a child or in a crib. This type of treatment is needed to passively stretch the affected muscle. For the correct formation of the body scheme. The incorrect position of the child's head should not be familiar and natural. Parental involvement in this type of treatment is paramount.
The child must sleep properly. It is only necessary to put the child on a hard mattress and replace the pillow with a diaper (folded several times). During sleep, make sure that the baby's head is turned in the direction of the damaged muscle. It will be easier to do this if you put a toy on the side of the sore muscle and turn on the light. In this position, the affected muscle is stretched involuntarily.
It is good to apply the fixation of the child's head in the correct position with the help of salt bags. Pay attention to the fact that the body lies symmetrically. If the baby often spits up, then this method should not be used! In this case, the child should be laid on a healthy side, if on a sick side, then be sure to put a high pillow.
Special collar for torticollis
Gymnastics with torticollis is available at home. If you decide to do it yourself, then first consult a physiotherapy doctor. Gymnastic exercises for the baby are painful, so everything must be done carefully, but persistently. Exercises are performed in pairs.
One person holds the body and arms of the baby, and the second securely holds the head. With this method, place the shoulder girdle parallel to the edge of the table, and hang the head and neck. Be sure to remember that the head and body should be located exactly, in one line. Gradually reduce head support. With this method, the muscles relax and, as a result, stretch. Hands limit the child's head rotation and tilt. Perform the exercise symmetrically. Raise the head of the baby until the chin touches the chest. Exercise to perform in the morning and evening. no more than 5 times.
When you pick up your baby, gradually reduce the head support. Try to let it hang under its own weight, this helps to stretch the muscle. Raise your head for a while, let the baby rest and repeat again. Exercise at least three times a day.
Treatment should be carried out in parallel with massage courses and electrophoresis. After a couple of courses, in most cases the result is positive. However, parents need to remember that relapse is possible. On the affected side, muscle growth retardation will continue. To consolidate the result, it is recommended to conduct at least 4 courses of physiotherapy with massage in the first year.
In extremely rare cases, it is not possible to achieve a positive result with conservative treatment. Surgery is recommended by the age of one. There are two ways:
The first method is carried out only in the department of orthopedics, under general anesthesia. After dressing, the neck wounds are fixed with a plaster cast.
The second method is suitable for children after 4 years. After surgery, the symmetry of the muscles is restored. If the child had an underlying disease, then relapse may increase. The cicatricial process in the region of muscle junction is strongly pronounced. During periods of rapid growth of the child, it is imperative to be observed by an orthopedist. If the treatment is ignored, or not completed, the child will develop an irreparable pathology. The head will constantly tilt towards the shoulder area.
VIDEO: Muscular torticollis, muscle hypertonicity in an infant before and after baby massage
A good result can always be achieved if you do not start the disease and systematically conduct classes with the child. With proper treatment, this disease goes away completely. Parents should first of all provide active assistance to their baby in recovery!
On this topic:
Torticollis of newborns is a pathology of the cervical spine, accompanied by an unnatural inclination of the head to the shoulder. At the same time, the child's head is turned in the opposite direction, and a slight deformation of the spine is also observed. The disease is often found in girls. Wryneck exposed to newborns and children of the first year of life. With timely diagnosis, the disease is treated very successfully.
Torticollis in children - displacement of the upper spine, visually expressed in a constant tilt of the head Factors provoking the appearance of pathology
All known causes fall into two categories: acquired and congenital. The risk of torticollis in children increases in the following cases:
Acquired torticollis in newborns develops with lesions of the cervical spine. Inflammation, burns (chemical and thermal), sprains, fractures or dislocations also contribute to the onset of the disease.
Disease types
Experts have identified several types of torticollis. The classification of the disease is divided according to the causes of occurrence. The course of treatment is prescribed depending on the stage of development of torticollis, and what factors provoked its appearance. There are both separate types of the disease, and combined.
In many cases, torticollis is caused by problems during labor. Congenital and acquired
Purchased only
Installation torticollis can occur due to the fault of the parents - for example, if the baby is laid out all the time on one barrel
Particular attention to the health of the newborn should be shown within 2-3 weeks from the moment of birth. The baby's head should turn freely in both directions, so the first symptoms of the disease can be detected without a doctor's prompt.
Dangerous manifestations
It is not difficult to notice the onset of the disease if you constantly monitor the behavior of the baby and its state of health. Among the obvious signs, doctors note:
You can examine the neck from the side where the baby often turns his head. With pathology, it becomes rigid, which cannot be felt.
The phenomenon of bilateral torticollis complicates self-diagnosis. Usually there are two types of pathology, depending on the side of the lesion:
If you let the condition of the newborn take its course and do not seek help from a specialist, you cannot do without serious consequences. Over time, the child will develop:
The shoulders and collarbone will also be deformed, making it impossible to keep the head upright. After the described stages, the development of scoliosis begins, which entails new health problems.
Modern diagnostic methods
Symptoms alone are not enough to make a diagnosis, therefore, if a pathology is suspected, the doctor prescribes a comprehensive examination. Each type of torticollis has its own method of detection:
Up to 5 months in children, it is easy to diagnose pathology by the physical method at the next examination by a pediatrician. Diagnosis often requires a series of tests.
Types of treatment
The course is prescribed only after examination and confirmation of the presence of torticollis in the child. The first symptoms of the disease may appear as early as 2-3 weeks after the birth of the baby. Therapy is selected individually, based on the stage of the pathology and its nature. In the absence of spinal deformities and significant changes, sparing treatment is prescribed.
If the baby's spine is not deformed, the doctor will prescribe a gentle treatment. Basic methods
Get rid of torticollis will help massage the neck and shoulder girdle and thoracic region. Paraffin therapy in combination with massage has proven itself well. Warm and warming effects can reduce pain and relax muscles. Massage improves blood circulation and lymph flow, stimulating the sternocleidomastoid muscle, toning it from the opposite side.
The course should be performed only by a specialist, since neither the video nor the step-by-step photo will help the mother understand the specifics of the massage. Parents are usually allowed to attend the procedures, so they should not be frightened by the massage therapist's manipulations.
Execution sequence:
Each of the exercises is repeated from 5 to 20 times, and the massage complex should not last more than a month. Before the massage, general rubbing and stroking is carried out to warm up the muscles:
Each procedure takes at least 10 minutes. Massage is carried out daily. An exception may be the illness or indisposition of the baby. On this issue, it is advisable to consult with a massage therapist and warn about the poor health of the crumbs.
Additional Methods
When prescribing gymnastics, you should perform the simplest exercises that allow you to stretch tense muscles. The usual head turns in different directions are enough to notice a positive result. Exercises are performed for 15 minutes 3-4 times a day. It is important to remember that exercise therapy is prescribed for minor changes.
The attitude to the child's sleep should also be reconsidered. He should sleep only on an orthopedic pillow, laying on it with a sore side. If the baby is still too small and the pillow is not used, at night the baby should be laid on a healthy side, slightly pointing his head in the opposite direction. Proper fixation of the neck contributes to the gradual lengthening of the damaged muscle, so over time the disease recedes.
Noticeable results appear when carrying out special exercises in the water, when the baby swims with a circle around his neck. Water procedures can be combined with massage. With advanced forms of torticollis, the doctor prescribes:
Renowned pediatrician Komarovsky warns that these methods should be used with caution in children under 2 years of age. The break between courses is 3-4 months and, if necessary, the treatment is repeated. If therapy does not work, resort to surgery.
Surgical intervention
According to statistics, in most cases it is possible to achieve favorable results using conservative methods. The operation is prescribed when the baby is 8 months old. There are two options:
After the operation, the symmetry of the neck muscles is restored. In the presence of an underlying disease, the chance of a relapse increases. Since the cicatricial process in the area of muscle connection is pronounced, it is necessary to be observed by an orthopedist during periods of active growth of the child.
It is unacceptable to ignore the courses prescribed by the doctor or to give up treatment halfway. Negligence will lead to an even more serious pathology, in which the head will constantly tilt to the shoulder. It is important not to start the disease and regularly engage with the child. A set of necessary exercises can be obtained from a doctor or watch a thematic video. Proper treatment is the key to the health of the baby.
With a disease such as congenital muscular torticollis, the child's head is always tilted towards the affected muscle. Children with protruding torticollis often suffer from facial, skull, and shoulder asymmetries and require massage therapy for torticollis.
Massage for torticollis: technique
The chest massage is a relaxing massage. It is carried out on the affected side. Massage techniques for the affected muscle: light stroking (in the direction from the mastoid process to the collarbone), rubbing (with the pad of one finger), vibrating movements (along the muscle).
Back massage for torticollis
Stroking and rubbing is done on the healthy side of the back. On the sore side, massage techniques: soft stroking, vibrating movements, gentle stretching in the area of the shoulder girdle. In the region of the shoulder blade, rubbing, pinching and tapping are performed.
Massage complex for a child aged 2-3 months with torticollis
Such a massage is performed for torticollis three to four times a day. The duration of the massage is five to ten minutes.
The cause of torticollis may be an anomaly in the development of the sternocleidomastoid muscles, with the help of which turns and tilts of the head occur. Another cause may be an injury to the child's cervical spine during childbirth. Among the acquired causes of torticollis are the constant laying of the child in the crib on one side, feeding with one breast, carrying the child on only one arm. With torticollis, the child's head is tilted towards the affected muscle, and turning it towards the healthy one.
Comprehensive treatment started in a timely manner will help the child cope with this problem. In addition to positional treatment, massage for torticollis and gymnastics are of great importance.
Watch the self-learn massage technique below in the video:
Children in infancy are often diagnosed with torticollis - a disease in which the baby's cervical region is deformed, and the head is tilted towards the sore muscle. Massage for torticollis is one of the mandatory methods of treating the disease. If no measures are taken, complications such as facial asymmetry, abnormal development of the spine, and others can join the primary muscle deformation. With timely treatment, all unpleasant symptoms eventually disappear without a trace.
So that by the time the baby turns one year old, he has fully recovered, you need to start treatment for torticollis immediately
Massage prescribed to a child with torticollis should be carried out in a course every 3 months. The task of the massage therapist is to stretch the affected muscle, improve its blood circulation and restore normal tone. During the procedure for newborns, techniques such as vibration, rubbing, tapping are used. Massage actions are carried out not only on the sick side, but also on the healthy side.
If torticollis is not corrected before the infant is 1 year old, further treatment may be delayed. In this case, an adult child may experience severe headaches and increased intracranial pressure. Due to bone deformities, blood vessels will overlap, and poor blood circulation will lead to fatigue, memory loss, and irritability. Quite often, children already at school age suffer from untreated torticollis.
Massage and gymnastics carried out at a very early age are the key to the health of the child. Unlike drugs, these methods are the safest for newborns. It is only important that the massage be done by a specialist (or control the process if the mother wants to carry out the procedure). However, the mother must first undergo appropriate training, since massage aimed at eliminating newborn torticollis is therapeutic and requires professional skills.
If the mother decided to give the child a massage on her own, then she will have to take a course from an experienced specialist
There is a huge plus in the fact that the mother will treat the baby: the child will not be afraid, he will be able to relax, which will positively affect the result. When massaging newborns, you should act very carefully, as incorrect manipulations can increase the lateral curvature of the neck. All movements during this procedure should be smooth. Massage should not cause pain and discomfort to the baby.
The massage procedure for torticollis should be carried out in several stages.
Do the following:
Repeat these steps 8-10 times. Proceed to the next step.
Next stage:
Massage of newborns ends with general stroking of the arms and legs. Spend them smoothly, gently, lightly tapping on the body of the baby with your fingers. Do not forget that torticollis requires constant monitoring by pediatric specialists.
If the baby disagrees with the massage, turn on soft classical music - it will help the child relax
In order for the massage to bring only benefits to the baby and the torticollis to pass faster, use important tips:
If your baby is diagnosed with torticollis, do not panic. Massage and special gymnastics performed by a professional always give a positive result. Trust the experts and constantly monitor the position of the child's body. Remember that timely treatment and good care exclude surgical intervention in almost all cases.
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In this publication, you will read how to do baby massage for torticollis in infants. The videos in this article will help you cope with torticollis in an infant, and make life easier for you and your baby.
By the way, have you read this:
In newborns, torticollis is considered one of the most common diseases (turning the neck in most cases to the right).
It is worth dwelling in more detail on the main causes of this pathology:
Thus, many experienced specialists say that torticollis is considered a congenital disease that occurs during difficult births. When the baby is only two weeks old, it is worth considering and starting to treat torticollis. This is necessary so that the disease does not progress, and the doctors can help the baby in a timely manner.
If you do not treat torticollis, then in the future, scoliosis will occur in infants. The child will suffer from a curvature of the spine.
The main methods of treating torticollis in infants include:
You can dwell on the first of the above methods. How to do the right massage for babies with this disease? What are the subtleties and secrets of this process?
Please note that neck massage should be done as follows:
Performing all stages of massage, you will deliver a lot of positive emotions to children. Thanks to this process, the baby will be healthy and happy.
Of course, it is best to prevent the onset of the disease than to treat the child intensively, in all possible ways. Parents can take several actions to keep the baby healthy and feel good.
You need to decorate the baby's crib with a bright, attractive side from all sides. A curious, interested baby will turn his head in all directions. Thus, the muscles of the neck will fully develop.
The crib should be approximately in the center of the room so that the baby observes the world of the room. A medium-hard mattress will also help babies with torticollis: the head will not fall through.
Pay close attention to the posture of newborn babies. An important point that in no case should be ignored: observation by a doctor. It will help to determine the early stages of the occurrence of this disease.
When the child grows up a little, he can be enrolled in swimming. Carrying out gymnastics and useful exercises is also necessary for the prevention of torticollis in infants (per month, 2 months, 5 months).
Nowadays, you can find a huge amount of video information materials: reference books, massage for torticollis in infants, videos that show how to do it correctly for a baby. This procedure helps to relax the muscles of the neck, thus giving them the opportunity to take a natural position. Before proceeding with the massage, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of the technique of this process in the video tutorials.
There are general actions that will help the child become healthy and cheerful:
The healthy side of the baby also does not need to be left unattended, gently massaging it. Gymnastic exercises will also help the child recover.
Classes in the pool are not only useful for all babies, but also exciting, bring a lot of positive emotions, the baby will have a good mood.
In this video you will see how to properly massage.
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Massage for torticollis in children is an effective method of therapy and takes pride of place among medical procedures. How to do massage correctly so that there is a straightening dynamics will be described later.
The problem of congenital muscular torticollis is found in many infants. This pathology is formed mainly due to the underdeveloped sternocleidomastoid muscle, but it can also occur when a child passes through the birth canal.
Signs that occur with torticollis:
Torticollis becomes noticeable from the age of two weeks, then treatment should begin. Pathology should be diagnosed no later than 2 months. But statistics say that often in boys the disease is detected at the age of about 3 months, and in girls this happens at 4 months, 5 months or by six months of age.
Late detection of torticollis happens if the doctors did not see the pathology in the early period of the baby's life.
You need to consult a doctor after identifying this pathology in a child. Massage is an effective treatment for torticollis and should be prescribed by a doctor.
The purpose of this procedure is to activate blood circulation and lymph flow, as well as to promote muscle relaxation where they are clamped. Massage sessions will help them to assume a natural position.
Along with the course of medical procedures, it is necessary to apply treatment by position. For this, the baby is laid on the healthy side so that he is in a symmetrical position. As a result, the neck will be tilted in the right direction, and the thickened muscle will stretch.
It is useful to interest the baby with a bright toy so that he expresses a desire to turn his head in the right direction. These movements act to strengthen the stretched muscles and relax the clamped muscles..
In order for the result to be fixed, parents make or purchase a special collar for their children. It is worn around the neck and encourages the head of the crumbs to take a normal position. Mom should pay attention to possible rubbing of the neck. To prevent this, the "bagel" is made from cotton and cotton wool.
Massage sessions for infants begin with a visit to a specialist, he performs the first procedures, showing mom how to do it right. Questions should be asked if they arise in order to better understand everything.
Soon, an observant mother will already be able to perform the necessary techniques at home without the help of a massage therapist.
The massage treatment method is used in the lateral position of the baby. First, stroking is carried out, then rubbing of the unhealthy sternocleidomastoid muscle.
This sequence will allow you to relax and calm the child, relieve muscle tension. At the same time, you can sing songs or turn on a children's melody, and sometimes a gentle mother's voice that addresses the baby helps.
Principles of massage used for torticollis:
Some experts argue that the best time to start treatment procedures is the period when the child is 2 months old. Along with massage, gymnastics is also used.
There are simple massage techniques for babies: tilt your head to one side and the other. Then stroke the neck with 2 fingers.
They do this from the ear to the collarbone with smooth movements, rubbing the thickenings that have arisen on the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Then you can alternate tapping and stroking movements. The healthy part of the neck is also massaged, but more vigorously. This will give you a boost in tone.
The effectiveness of the massage is excellently enhanced when it is carried out in a bathtub with a water temperature of 36 °C. Physical exercises should be done after the massage.
With this childhood illness, the baby must be worn correctly. You should take him in your arms vertically, and then press him to your chest so that his shoulder line is on the same level with his mother's. Then you need to gently turn your head towards the torticollis and hold it with your cheek.
But diseases in children are not always diagnosed and treated on time. There are ailments with which it is undesirable to delay. But if this happened, then the treatment is carried out later. Doctors also prescribe massage for children from 1 year old.
Treatment procedures are carried out in this order: they begin a light neck and face massage from the affected side, smoothly moving to the trapezius muscles located from the same side. During the session, the child should tilt his head towards the torticollis.
The healthy part of the neck is also massaged and rubbed, bringing the muscles into increased tone. The duration of the session for older children lasts up to 10-15 minutes.
Therapeutic exercises are also useful for torticollis. They contribute:
Together with massage, gymnastics is the primary way to get rid of torticollis. Parents are able to independently perform such exercises with a crumb.
Place the child with the healthy side facing you. Stroking, stretching and light vibration. The baby's head lies on the parent's bent arm and turns slightly towards the torticollis.
The baby lies in the lateral position in the hands of the parent. The latter slowly circles it in one and the other direction, then unfolds the crumbs with the second side and repeats again. Continues the circling exercise, dropping almost to the floor.
The next step is swinging. You can arrange the baby on your lap. Holding it by the handles, perform movements.
They put the baby with their back on the fitball and swing it. The baby is held by the knees, and later only by the ankle joints. You need to turn the ball upside down on the ball.
Then you should turn it over on the tummy and swing it again. When the baby gets used to it, he will train the neck muscles, and then he will become more confident in holding his head.
Torticollis is a pathology that can be treated, but everything needs to be done on time. A quick response to the disease, diligence and patience will lead to positive results. Conversely, delaying treatment will cause an aggravation of the disease, which can lead to surgical intervention.
The phenomenon is quite common. About 10-12% of babies suffer from it, and this usually worries parents a lot. However, this is the case when timely treatment allows you to completely correct the problem, and the lack of treatment can result in serious consequences. Torticollis does not go away on its own. The mainstay of treatment for this condition is massage. Is it possible to do it at home, what is the technique and method of exposure, we will tell in this article.
Torticollis can have different causes, but its manifestations are usually very similar - the child's head tilts with the opposite turn at the same time. A curved neck can be due to certain pathologies of the bones of the cervical spine, due to pathologies of the nerves in this department, and muscular torticollis is also widespread.
In infants, the pathology can be congenital or acquired, for example, during difficult childbirth. If nothing is done at all, hoping for self-medication, the complications can be very severe: deformities of the facial bones, skull, spine, severe neurological anomalies and a decrease in intellectual abilities, memory, deterioration of speech functions in the future, and respiratory disorders are possible.
Since the causes can be different, it is first necessary to identify the true one - the tactics of treating the child will depend on it. Therapy can be both surgical and conservative. Usually start with conservative treatment, which includes:
If this treatment does not help within six months, a decision may be made to perform an operation.
In the vast majority of infants, torticollis is associated with abnormalities in the development of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It starts behind the ear and goes down to the collarbone.
A child with torticollis usually only turns his head to one side - the opposite of the one in which there is a lesion. If you look at the back of the baby, one shoulder blade on the side of the lesion will be higher than the other, and its pterygoid protrusion may also be noticeable.
When a baby with torticollis sleeps, he usually clenched only one hand into a fist. If you feel a sore muscle, a seal will be found on it, shaped like a spindle. When trying to turn the baby's head in the other direction, the baby resists.
The diagnosis is established on the basis of examination and the conclusion of radiography.
Massage is necessary, but the decision to conduct it should be made by the doctor, and not by the mother herself. The fact is that massage is needed not ordinary, general, but therapeutic, so you will definitely need the help of a professional massage therapist, a specialist in physiotherapy exercises for kids and a physiotherapist.
Massage for a child will not be 100% pleasant, parents should prepare for the fact that massaging will be associated with certain pain. True, over time the baby will get used to it, and the pain will significantly decrease. The task of the massage course in this pathology is to normalize the tone of the muscles of the neck, occipital muscles and the muscular corset of the shoulder girdle. If we are talking about neurogenic torticollis, you can not do without the help of a neurologist.
If the cause is the pathology of the vertebrae, you need to consult a surgeon, a vertebrologist.
Massage improves blood circulation in the muscles of the neck, removes "clamps" and blocks that prevent the normal functioning of the muscle tissue on the affected side. The masseur stretches the affected muscle, stimulates the nerve endings. Gradually, the range of motion and functionality expand, torticollis corrects, muscles and vertebrae take their natural position.
A lot of massage courses will be required (treatment lasts from six months to a year). Each session is expensive. Not every Russian family can find the required amount. Theoretically, such a massage is almost impossible to do on your own: therapeutic massage should only be carried out by a specialist who knows the anatomy and physiology of an infant very well.
However, in practice, massage is possible, provided that the mother asks a good specialist to teach her the basic techniques, and for the first few sessions she will personally massage under the supervision of a medical specialist. Do not think that masseurs carefully keep their secrets. Many doctors are happy to show and tell the rules of such a massage to parents.
Therefore, several sessions or even a whole course will still have to be paid in order to visit a professional for as long as the mother needs to remember the sequence of actions and the rules of massaging. Unskillful unauthorized actions can only harm the child.
If the initial training is completed, the attending physician may well allow home baby massage, but the mother needs to try very hard to earn his trust.
To perform the procedure at home, you will need to choose the right place where the massage will be performed. Beds and other soft surfaces are immediately excluded. The child should lie so that his spinal column is in an even position, does not “fall through” and does not “sag”. For babies, changing tables or regular dining tables are great. You can also massage on a chest of drawers, if there is one in the house. Cover the surface with a diaper.
To facilitate the sliding of the mother's hands, you should use vegetable oil, slightly warmed up, so as not to cause discomfort to the child. If there is a hypoallergenic massage agent, use it. You can also apply the traditional baby cream for such cases.
If the child is already 3 months old, buy a fitball - a large gymnastic ball, classes on which allow you to achieve a noticeable relaxation of the muscles of the neck and collar zone.
To massage the baby correctly, you should follow a certain scheme. Some massage therapists start the session from a supine position, but most often the first starting position is the side lying position.
After the massage, turn the child's head to the most correct position (as far as muscle limitation allows) and fix it with the Shants collar.
Here are some helpful tips for moms self-effective treatment of torticollis in a child:
Parents need patience. There will be no quick results, especially in cases of congenital torticollis. But patient work, daily massage and gymnastics in most cases help to cope with the pathology.
For information on how to massage a child with torticollis, see the following video.
Outwardly, the disease looks like the child tilted his head to the side. In fact, the child simply does not fully or incorrectly develop the muscles of the cervical region.
In this case, the head always turns out to be tilted to the damaged side, the face looks in the opposite direction and is slightly raised up. The most important link in the treatment of torticollis is massage.
The lack of proper care and proper correction leads to very sad consequences for the baby. Over time, the cranium and even the entire upper body occurs. The development of the stages of treatment of torticollis falls on the shoulders of a pediatric orthopedic surgeon or traumatologist.
Torticollis develops for various reasons. Many of them do not depend on the expectant mother, so it becomes completely impossible to prevent their occurrence. Torticollis can be congenital or acquired. It also depends on the cause of its occurrence.
The disease develops in utero and is classified into three types.
Consider what determines the appearance of each of them:
Negative intrauterine effects on the baby in some cases can be prevented with the help of
Most often, acquired torticollis is unilateral.
Five types of the disease are known:
Any doctor will tell you that it is necessary to treat torticollis in infants only by conservative methods. Surgery for this disease is possible, but only when the child is three years old.
This is explained by the fact that the body of children up to a year is able to miraculously adapt to the environment, change, and heal itself. Often, even the most advanced cases can be successfully treated.
Therapy for torticollis includes the following methods:
Caring for a sick child is also very important. It is placed in the crib mainly on the deformed side, turning away from the light source. Curiosity will eventually take over, and the baby will try with all his might to turn his head.
Classes in the pool or bath with torticollis give amazing resultsBathing is carried out using a special inflatable ring for babies.
Rules for carrying a child with torticollis:
When carrying the baby in an upright position, hold the head with the palm of your hand, press it to your chest. Shoulders of mother and child should be at the same height. The head should be turned to the affected side. You can keep her in this position by pressing lightly with your shoulder.
If you want to carry the baby with your back to you, also turn your head to the affected side. Hold it with your chin or cheek.
Try to carry the baby in your arms on the affected side, while raising your head slightly to the healthy side.
The purpose of the course of therapeutic massage for torticollis in an infant is to restore the elasticity and firmness of the muscle fiber, improve blood flow in the muscles of the affected area, and regenerate them.
In order for the child not to feel discomfort, Massage is done not locally, but fortifying. During the procedure, the arms, legs, face, tummy and back of the child are involved. The neck can be stroked and gently fixed in a healthy position.
Gymnastics with torticollis is carried out immediately after the massage procedure. Gymnastic elements are performed without sudden movements. It is enough to repeat each three times.
Laying out on the tummy. A common exercise that is recommended for all newborns. The position on the stomach strengthens the muscular skeleton of the child, increases the elasticity of the muscles of the neck and back. The baby in this position tends to raise the head and turn it to the side.
Sit on a chair, close your knees. Place the baby on your knees with your tummy. The arms and head will hang down a little. Hold the child in this position for 10 seconds.
Lay the child on the table, keep the shoulders and arms still. At the same time, the head and neck hang from the edge of the table. It is important to ensure that the head and torso are in a straight line.
Carefully remove the head support. Then lift the baby's head and touch it to the chest. Exercise helps to relax and stretch the muscles of the cervical region. It is enough to do it five times.
Put the baby on the table. Take a bright noisy rattle and start tapping it on the surface of the table, thus provoking it to turn the head in the weak direction.
Take the child in your arms in an upright position, release his head for 10 - 15 seconds. It will hang down under its own weight, stretching the muscle fibers of the neck. You can repeat the element three times a day.
From the video you will learn the rules of massage for torticollis in infants, as well as how to properly perform gymnastics for torticollis in infants.
Mom's diligence in the fight against the disease will certainly be rewarded.
Physiotherapy, a neck collar prescribed by a doctor, as well as systematic gymnastic exercises and regular massages, give the child a real chance for a healthy future.
A newborn baby is just beginning to explore the world around him. From the age of three weeks, lying on the tummy before feeding, the child is already trying to raise his head.
For many kids, this does not give much pleasure, they quickly get tired and begin to act up. Massage of the neck and collar area will help the child get rid of discomfort and get stronger faster.
From a very early age, mothers carefully try to help their beloved baby develop. The greatest benefit, for the muscles that are not yet strong, is massage.
The cervical curvature of the spine is the first physiological curvature formed in the child's spine. This process begins almost from the moment of birth and is actively accelerated at the first attempts of the baby to hold his head up.
In what situations and why do you need a neck and collar zone massage for newborns:
Attention! Frequent bodily contact of the baby with the mother helps the child develop not only physically, but also emotionally. As a rule, this procedure is also pleasant and useful for the mother.
Not all massages will be equally beneficial. There are a number of conditions in which breast massage can be harmful and therefore contraindicated:
Care should be taken to massage children with:
To perform a massage, the child is placed on the tummy, legs to the side. performing massage. The arms are most often bent at the elbows.
Up to 1.5-2 months, while the child is lying on his stomach unsteadily, it is recommended to massage the neck-collar zone with one hand, while holding the legs with the other.
Subsequently, massage can be performed with both hands at the same time.
The classic massage of the cervical-collar zone consists of four main stages:
Instructions for carrying out:
Important! The remaining methods (rubbing, kneading and light vibration in the form of shaking and shaking) should be introduced gradually, over 3-5 days.
It is desirable for every mother to master the technique of massaging a baby. to make a meaningful contribution to your child's physical and overall development every day. A district nurse, a children's massage therapist will help a mother master the necessary skills, or she can take special training courses in massage.
It is advisable to massage the cervical-collar zone daily, 35-40 minutes after feeding or 30 minutes before it. The duration of the procedure should not exceed 10 minutes.
When conducting a massage at home, you should pay attention to a number of rules:
The decision to massage the cervical-collar zone of a newborn should be agreed with the attending pediatrician, who will give recommendations on the number, duration of the procedure and the duration of the course. Competent and timely massage will greatly help the baby to get stronger, grow strong and healthy.
