Looking Ahead Pediatric Physical Therapy, PLLC specializes in the care of infants with congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), plagiocephaly, and motor delay, using a team approach involving the caregiver, physician, physical therapist, and orthotist.
Your infant will undergo a comprehensive initial evaluation by Andrea S. Callanen, PT, MPT, who has over 17 years of pediatric experience and who has specialized for more than a dozen years in the evluation and treatment of infants with these conditions. As a well respected leader and published author in this field, she has spoken nationally about the interdisciplinary approach to the evaluation and treatment of CMT and plagiocephaly.
The initial evaluation will consist of objective measurements to determine range of motion of the head and neck, neck strength, developmental motor skills, and head symmetry. Based on these and other objective clinical findings, an individualized treatment plan will be recommended.
Parents and caregivers will be provided with a customized, ongoing, therapeutic home program that must be incorporated into the baby’s daily routine as best as possible. The greatest improvments are seen in babies whose parents are most compliant with their daily home program while attending physical therapy treatment sessions.
Typical treatment sessions and plan of care include the following activities:
- Stretch the tight neck muscles
- Strengthen the weak neck muscles
- Gain full and symmetrical neck active range of motion
- Massage techniques for the tight muscles and/or SCM mass, if present
- Maintain the flexibility and strength of the muscles so that CMT does not interfere with motor development and posture as your baby grows
- Incorporate proper positioning techniques to be a part of baby’s daily routine
- Facilitate age appropriate motor development
- Ongoing parent and caregiver education
- Recommend a consult to a pediatric craniofacial specialist or orthotist to discuss the need for a cranial remodeling orthosis (helmet) assessment, when appropriate
