Side Lay-to-Sit Strengthening

This torticollis exercise is a great two-for-one exercise.  Since Kellyn has right torticollis, it helps her strengthen her weak left side neck muscles by working against gravity.  In addition, it helps her learn to more easily transition into different positions.  This will help her with her motor skill progression.  In this post, I will share both my video demo AND the written step-by-step instructions (with pictures) for this exercise.

Video Tutorial:



Step-by-Step Instructions:

1.  Have baby lay on right side.  Put interesting toy at baby's feet to serve as a target.

Step 1

2.  Then put gentle pressure on baby's left hip/thigh area.  This will hopefully prompt baby to start pulling herself up to a sitting position.

Step 2

3.  If baby needs more assistance, you can also help her by guiding the right side of her trunk with your free hand.

4.  Baby should end up in sitting position.

Step 4

Note: Babies with left torticollis would do this exercise lying on their left side. 

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.