Stability Ball Strengthening for Right Torticollis

Since Kellyn's left neck and trunk muscles are both weak, this is a great two-for-one strengthening exercise for her.  This exercise looks so fun that my son Luke gets jealous when I do this with her.  The only way I can complete this exercise with Kellyn is if I promise that he gets a turn doing the ball exercise after her.  Just what I need...even more physical therapy exercises to do :) Anyways, here's a video tutorial AND step-by-step written instructions (with pictures) below.  This exercise is for babies with right torticollis.

Video Tutorial:





Step-by-Step Written Instructions:

1.  Sit on the carpeted floor and balance the stability ball between your knees.

2.  Have baby sit on the stability ball facing you.

3.  Put your hands really low on her hips where her pelvic bone is. 

This would be a good example picture if I was actually tilting Kellyn to her RIGHT side
(the side she tilts her head to). It can be tricky keeping all of the directions
straight in your head as you do the exercises.

4.  Making sure you have a good grip on her, tilt her to her right.

5.  You want her to pull her head and trunk up towards mid-line.  Ideally, you want her to lift her head so that her left ear comes as close as possible to her left shoulder.

Note:  If baby has left torticollis, lean baby to her left.

Disclaimer: I am not a physical therapist or medical professional.  If you wish to do any of these physical therapy exercises on your own child, you should first seek approval from your child's physical therapist.  Click here for full disclaimer.