Torticollis, Postural Plagiocephaly, Kinesiotaping, VR

what is congenital muscular torticollis?

tightness of the sternocleidomastoid muscle on one side (head tilts towards the tight side, face turns away)

what are the key signs of torticollis?

- head tilt toward affected (tight) side

- face rotation away from affected side

- resistance when rotating toward tight side

- positional preference during feeding, play, and sleep

what are some OT interventions for treating torticollis?

- passive sternocleidomastoid stretch (ear toward tight-side shoulder), face toward tight side

- active tracking

- positioning modifications

- caregiver education

true or false: positional plagiocephaly usually is a result of torticollis

true

what is positional plagiocephaly?

asymmetric skull flattening from prolonged pressure on one area (NOT craniosynostosis which is surgical)

what are key signs of positional plagiocephaly?

- flat spot on back or side of skull

- ear on flat side appears forward

- facial asymmetry in severe cases

what are some OT interventions for treating positional plagiocephaly?

- repositioning program

- tummy time grading

- reduce container time (helmet if needed after 6-9 months)

what is kinesiotaping?

therapeutic taping technique

what are the different strip types in kinesiotaping?

- I-strip

- Y-strip

- Fan strip

- X-strip

what is the I-strip used for?

single strip, used for muscle facilitation or inhibition along one line

what is the Y-strip used for?

split at one end, wraps around a muscle belly

what is the Fan strip used for?

multiple cuts, used for lymphatic drainage

what is the X-strip used for?

cut at both ends with center anchor, used for tendons and ligaments

true or false: the anchor (the uncut end that goes down first) is ALWAYS applied with NO tension

true

true or false: over-tensioning with kinesiotaping causes skin irritation and blistering and a therapist should always check skin before and after application

true

what is OT's role in virtual reality (VR) interventions?

provide safe, engaging, and customizable, simulated environments that improve patient motor, cognitive, and sensory functioning

true or false: VR cannot be utilized over a variety of diagnoses and implemented across the lifespan to simulate, immerse, and expose at a cost effective price

false

true or false: VR can be utilized as a telehealth intervention

true