What is Torticollis?

Torticollis is a condition that occurs when the muscle that runs from the sternum around to the back of the neck becomes tight or weak. This muscle is called the sternocleidomastoid (SCM). There are several types of torticollis but the most common form is congenital muscular torticollis which is usually diagnosed in infants during the first two months of life. This condition results in the rotation of the infant's head to one side with the head tilted to the opposite side.

If untreated, torticollis can also lead to additional problems such as:

• Flattening of the skull (Plagiocephaly)
• Strength imbalances toward one side of the body
• Developmental hip dysplasia
• Scoliosis
• Developmental cognitive and motor delays
• Delayed body awareness and interaction
• Difficulty nursing due to restricted head and neck movement
• Difficulty with balance

How Can Physical Therapy Help?

Regardless of the patient's age, physical therapy is the primary treatment for any form of torticollis. Treatment is geared toward addressing the impairments that are caused by this condition. Early treatment results in the best outcomes and may include activities to:

• Strengthen neck muscles
• Correct muscle imbalances through gentle range of motion
• Improve postural control and symmetry
• Improve active range of motion
• Educate caregivers on positioning and exercises for home

When diagnosed and treated early the majority of children recover completely with no long term effects. CTS can help and has physical therapists on staff that are experienced in treating this diagnosis.

What is electroacupuncture?

Electroacupuncture is the conduction of an electric pulse along an acupuncture needle to provide stimulation to an area or acupuncture point. The treatment of overactive bladder with electroacupuncture is the insertion of an acupuncture needle above the medial malleolus into a superficial branch of the posterior tibial nerve known as the acupuncture point SP 6.

How does it work?

The stimulus at the acupuncture point SP 6 travels via the posterior tibial nerve to the sacral nerve plexus to alter pelvic floor function by neuromodulation. Neuromodulation is defined as gentle electrical impulses. The theory of neurologic stimulation therapy is that stimulation of the nerves can stimulate pelvic muscle contractions or detrusor contractions thus making gradual changes in bladder activity.

What is the treatment?

The treatment consists of one treatment a week for 12 weeks. Each treatment session lasts 30 minutes. Patients who respond to the original treatment protocol can usually sustain symptom benefit with occasional follow up treatments. As with all OAB treatments, results for individual patients may vary. Acupuncture has accumulative affect, patients may experience symptom improvement between weeks 2-12.

The Benefits of Electroacupuncture for OAB

• Studies report that 60 - 80% of patients improve with stimulation of posterior tibialis nerve.
• Non-surgical, low risk option. Does not require an implant or have lingering side-effects.
• Perceived as relatively painless. Patients typically describe the sensation as a "tingling" or a "pulsing" in the foot or ankle.