The Effects of Kinesio Taping Method

Torticolis from the Latin torti, meaning twisted, and collis, meaning neck, refers to presentation of the neck in a twisted or bent position. Congenital Muscular Torticollis is a condition that occurs at birth or up to age two months. Congenital Muscular Torticollis is characterized by unilateral fibrosis or shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, causing lateral flexion of the head and deviation of the chin to the contralateral side with noted loss of active and passive range of motion in the cervical spine (Karmel-Ross, 1997). The literature suggests that it is common for patients with Congenital Muscular Torticollis to exhibit a tumor or palpable mass in the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) during the first three months of life, followed by restricted range of motion and “torticollis posturing” due to a fixed or restricted SCM muscle. (Golden, Beals, Littlefield, Pomatto, 1997). The mass is located at the mid-portion of the muscle which is actually a transformation of the SCM rather than a tumor. It is believed that the associated mass within the SCM may be secondary to a hematoma (blood clot), forming scar tissue, thus pulling the head into lateral flexion.