Kids Health by Center For Pediatric Therapies
Kids Health The Newsletter About Taking Care Of The Ones That Matter Most
October, 2017
“Have You Noticed A Slight Tilt In Your Baby’s Neck?” TORTICOLLIS Torticollis, more commonly referred to as wry neck, is a rather common condition in which a newborn child experiences stiffness of the neck muscles as a result of their position in the womb. This results in the child leaving their head slightly tilted as the muscles form and the tension reduces to allow them to have proper neck functioning.
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Inside:
• Torticollis
• Muscle Dystrophy & Why PT Is So Important
• Staff Spotlight
• Writing A Review Is Just A Click Away
Kids Health The Newsletter About Taking Care Of The Ones That Matter Most
“Don’t Ignore The Stiffness In Your Infant’s Neck!” TORTICOLLIS October, 2017
While this is a rather common health problem that newborns experience, it is still typically concerning to see your child born and unable to move their neck to the full capacity, and so treatment and therapy options are available to help you newborn overcome this problem. In most cases, torticollis resolves by three months. Understanding Torticollis Everyone wakes up time to time with a stiff neck. Sleeping awkwardly on your pillow, or falling asleep in a chair instead of your bed may leave your neck feeling tense and limit your range of motion. This is essentially the problem with infant torticollis. The difference being that as an adult, you know that you have the ability to move your neck and that the stiffness is a result of awkward positioning. For newborns, the stiffness in their neck is all they ever know, and so while they experience pain and discomfort from the stiffness, they are not starting to naturally move their neck in the same way that a child born without this condition would. This can be concerning for a parent, but it is important to recognize that there are therapeutic options to support infants who experience this problem, and the best way to help your child overcome the concern is to be proactive. There is no explanation as to why some babies develop torticollis while others don’t. All babies grow in the womb, but some babies become cramped and develop this stiffness in their neck as a result. Other babies are able to develop without experiencing this problem. Torticollis is typically recognized by the neonatal staff in the hospital when the infant is born, but there are some cases in which you may notice the concern gradually after returning home with your infant. Symptoms of torticollis include: • Constant or almost constant tilting of the head in one direction • Demonstrated preference for looking in one direction over another • Difficulty breastfeeding on one side • Frustration and difficulty with turning in one direction instead of another
If you notice one or more of these concerns, then it is a good idea to bring attention to the problem with your infant’s pediatrician. Your pediatrician can assess the issue and consider if there is a clear preference for physical reasons or if other concerns may be at play. For example, some infants may prefer one breast over another as a result of a clogged milk duct, or perhaps your infant looks one way more often than another due to the positioning of your furniture and layout of your nursery. Infant torticollis is treated through a series of targeted exercises. Your pediatrician will talk to you about at-home strategies that you can use to encourage more neck movement to reduce stiffness and to help your child overcome the concern. It is not a good idea to try any activities that may encourage movement of the neck without first discussing the concern with your pediatrician, and under no circumstances should you try to force your child’s neck to move one way over another.
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/torticollis.html http://www.healthline.com/health/torticollis
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MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY &WHY PT IS SO IMPORTANT
As one of the most frequently inherited disorders worldwide, muscular dystrophy affects boys almost exclusively. Approximately 1 in 3,500 to 6,000 males born in the United States has Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common form of muscular dystrophy in children. Although there are several types of muscular dystrophy, they all involve muscle weakness and a loss of muscle mass. The arms and legs are often impacted first and other muscle groups follow later. As the muscles progressively weaken due to the condition, physical therapy can greatly improve a child’s abilities and quality of life. Muscular Dystrophy All muscular dystrophies stem from a change or mutation in a baby’s genes. Some children develop the condition as a result of inheriting an abnormal gene; others develop it from a spontaneous mutation when the baby is in utero. Parents often notice muscular dystrophy by observing their three-to-five-year-old child experiencing reoccurring tumbles, frequent toe walking, a slow run, and a waddling gait. Any delay in gross motor functioning, particularly sitting up, crawling, walking or running, can be cause for concern. At age 3 1/2, children who must roll onto their stomach in order to move up off the ground should be evaluated.
Kerri is a Speech-Language Pathologist with Center for Pediatric Therapies. Kerri works through Early Intervention to serve children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing in the Roanoke Valley. She has 30 years of experience working with children who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. Her experience has been with children with a range of hearing losses; those using hearing aids or cochlear implants, and with various choices of communication options. In addition to beingafluentsigner,Kerrihasnumerouscontinuing education hours in utilizing Listening and Spoken Language to facilitate communication in young children who have a hearing loss. Staff Spotlight Kerri Vipperman, MS, CCC-SLP SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST Adaptive equipment and devices Children with muscular dystrophy have an increased risk of falls. Since the condition impacts visual abilities, muscle strength and overall mood, many patients require adaptive equipment to ensure safety and increase functioning. Physical therapists can help recommend and assist children in obtaining powered mobility devices, wheelchairs, canes and walkers. As general functioning declines, an occupational therapist can also guide children and adolescents in the use of long-handled sponges, button hooks, and pen cushions. As the effects of the disorder become more pronounced, the need for physical therapy shifts. At all stages, however, physical therapy plays an important role. Physical Therapy Physical therapy is integral to maintain muscle functioning and avoid joint problems. The goals of such therapy are to help a patient stay as flexible, strong and symmetrical as possible. A physical therapist works with the child to exercise, stretch, and maintain appropriate posture. Even when a person is relegated to a wheelchair, physical therapy can help improve a person’s abilities.
Exercise Weakness is a natural component to muscular dystrophy. However, it can play a minor role compared to disuse. Physical therapists can help guide patients to the appropriate amount and type of exercise through carefully tailored routines. As muscles atrophy, a skilled physical therapist can provide adjustments to exercises as well. The therapist can recommend games and fun activities that increase strength, lessen the risk of obesity, and improve heart health. Breathing Since muscular dystrophy affects respiratory functioning, physical therapists often lead patients in breathing exercises and activities designed to build respiratory strength. Developmental skills Physical therapists help children master vital developmental skills, such as crawling, jumping, climbing and eating. When looking for a physical therapist, it’s important to find someone who has experience in pediatric physical therapy and muscular dystrophy. She should be willing to work with other health care professionals and coordinate care with you, the parent or caregiver.
centerforpediatrictherapies.com
Kerri graduated from James Madison University in 1984withaB.S. inSpeechPathologyandAudiology and received her M.S. degree from JMU in 1985 in Speech Pathology. Prior to working with Early Intervention through CPT, Kerri worked in the public school setting for 30 years. In addition to holding her Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA, Kerri is also a certified Early Intervention provider. Kerri resides in Roanoke, Virginia with her husband. She enjoys reading, time with family and friends and spending time with her son and daughter when they are home from college.
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OUR SERVICES
• Pediatric Occupational Therapy • Pediatric Physical Therapy • Pediatric Speech-Language Therapy • Building Blocks Center for Children with Autism
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WRITING A REVIEW IS JUST A CLICK AWAY!
Center for Pediatric Therapies values each of our patients and believes that every child is truly special. We invite you to share your child’s experience with CPT by leaving us a review on Facebook. Simply log onto Facebook, visit our page @centerforpediatrictherapies then click Reviews to tell people what you think. We’d love to hear how physical, occupational, and speech therapy have impacted your child’s life.
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“ We’ve been coming to CPT for years now, and they are fantastic. Their therapists do so well with the kids, and they genuinely just want to help. ” - Mandy M.
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