Torticollis Treatment

9/20/2020 The fascial tissue is one continuous sheet of connective tissue in the body which surrounds and penetrates all structures of the body, including surrounding the brain, spinal cord, muscle fiber, muscle bulk, nerves, vessels, bones, and organs.  The fascial tissue has the properties to allow movement and stretching.  However, this tissue can become restricted by tensions placed on the tissue.  Tensions can be from physical or emotional trauma, scarring, or from inflammation.  The tensions placed on the fascial tissue can cause postural mal-alignment, pain, and/or a decrease in motion. In other words, small issues involving the tension of one’s fascial tissue can result in larger challenges for the individual if not addressed.  ​ Incorporating my studies of fascial tissues from the Upledger Institute, Manual Therapy Seminars  Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT), and the Chikly Institute, I have been able to hone my ability to  listen to the body by using my hands.  Utilizing this hands on approach, I can identify areas of tension, relaxation, and of misalignment. With this information I can then provide the body with “resources and techniques” to invite change. In addressing my techniques I apply the word “invite” as the approach differs from many more commonly implemented tactics because it is noninvasive. I encourage the body to make small changes rather than force change. In doing so, the change is longer lasting. For example, if there is tension in a muscle, such as the hamstrings, when one stretches that muscle to elongate the tissue it often causes pain and requires force.  The length gained from stretching may occur at the moment, but the tissue frequently shortens again in a relatively short period of time. By listening to the tissue of the body, there is no forcing of the tissue and the concentration of the work is not only the one muscle or group of muscles that are tense,  but incorporates all the body systems in a holistic approach.  The fascial tissue surrounds the entire body and therefore, the work is successful because the muscle is not the only component of the body being considered or influenced.   For instance, in the condition of Torticollis, a person often has both a head tilt and head rotation limitation.  I have had clients who come to me that have experienced traditional approaches to treat the condition and these children are often quite afraid and protective of their necks, which is understandable.  Often, these children have experienced painful stretching episodes targeting their neck muscles and the child continues to have limitations with passive and or active range of motion of their necks. Utilizing gentle techniques that require less than 5 grams of pressure (less than the weight of nickel), the child does not shorten the already tight neck muscles and instead the tissue lengthens.  The child is then invited, through play, to strengthen the muscles to help develop the endurance to sustain midline head control, instigating long lasting relief. 

Please call 708-975-6065 or email janet@thewholechildassociates.com to learn more how these techniques can help your child.