Toys to Use During PT Exercises

Most of us can probably agree that our babies don't enjoy their torticollis exercises.  When our babies get upset, we naturally feel upset too.  Thankfully, I finally discovered the key to getting through a good set of torticollis exercises is distracting your baby with some cool toys. The goal is to get your baby so involved with playing that they barely realize they are actually doing their exercises.  Also, make sure to only allow your baby to play with these special toys during torticollis exercises only.  If you leave the toys out so that your baby can play with them anytime, then the novelty of the toys wears off.  I can't promise that cool toys will make every exercise session perfect, but it certainly helps make the experience more bearable for everyone involved.

Tilt Regression (Milestone & Illness-Related)

Unfortunately, Kellyn has had a cold, congestion, and wheezing for the past few weeks. In addition, she's had a slight head tilt regression, which is a little disheartening. However, there is a silver lining to this torticollis regression. I think its largely attributed to her progression with her developmental milestones.  Just in time for her upcoming first birthday in exactly one week's time!

So excited that Kellyn finally learned to crawl on hands and knees!Huge milestone for her.

Rolling Back-to-Belly

In addition to torticollis, Kellyn also had mild trunk curvature.  This trunk curvature made it difficult for her to roll onto her right side.  When she rolled, she usually favored rolling onto her left side.  Kellyn's physical therapist wanted her to become comfortable rolling to her less favored right side.  So here's how the exercise I do to help her become more comfy rolling onto her right side.  I have include both a video tutorial and a written tutorial below.  Please note that the written tutorial offers a bit more hands-on guidance and support for your baby doing the roll.  The video offers less hands-on support and is geared more for babies who can roll independently with a little extra encouragement.

Video Tutorial: