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What are "neck
exercises"?
"Neck exercises are
neck-stretching exercises for infants with torticollis and other
forms of neck tightness--conditions often associated with
plagiocephaly."
The neck muscles are stretched by:
- First, gently turning the baby's head, chin to shoulder,
remembering to stabilize the chest with one hand. Hold for 10
seconds. Then repeat in the other direction (turn and hold for 10
seconds). Do this three times to each side.
- Then, tilt the head, ear to shoulder, again
stabilizing the chest with one hand. Hold for 10 seconds with
gentle pressure and repeat to the other side. Do this three times
on each side.
Exercises should be done four or five times a day
when the child is awake and relaxed. Many parents find it
easiest to after daytime diaper changes.
Why are "neck-stretching
exercises" important?
"A tightness of the muscles on
one side of the neck can cause babies to position their head only in
one direction. This places concentrated external pressure on
one side of the head possibly leading to the development of
plagiocephaly. Neck stretching increases range of motion of
the child's head. Because the child can more freely move
his/her head, the concentrated external pressure is reduced and
he/she can look around the room."
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