A randomized controlled study on the efficiency of soft tissue mobilization in babies with congenital muscular torticollis

B ACKROUND. Soft tissue mobilization techniques (STM) are used in clinical practice in treatment of congenital muscular

torticollis(CMT).However, little is known about its effectiveness.

OBJECTIVES. To investigate whether using STM to manage CMT in babies with mild to moderate head tilt was effective or

not.

METHODS. Twenty-nine babies with CMT aged between 0-6 months, who had a head tilt from 5 to 20 degrees were allocated

to two groups. Both groups received a baseline home program (positioning, handling strategies, stretching and strengthening

exercises, environmental adaptations). The study group (SG) also received STM three times a week. Babies were evaluated

initially, at six weeks, at 12 weeks and for follow-up at 18 weeks with muscle function scale, head tilt and range of motion for

neck lateral flexion and rotation.

RESULTS. Both groups showed significant improvements in all measured parameters (p < 0.05). In comparison of groups,

there were differences at six weeks in favor of the SG for neck rotation (0.001) and head tilt (= 0.006); but at 12 weeks and

follow up, there were no longer any differences between the groups in any of the measured parameters.

CONCLUSIONS. STM techniques are effective in getting faster positive results in the treatment of CMT.

Keywords. Congenital muscular torticollis, pediatric physiotherapy, musculoskeleteal manipulations