How to tape Congenital Torticollis

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Congenital Torticollis treatment with kinesiology tape

If you suspect that your child has congenital torticollis or if it has already been diagnosed by a specialist, it is essential to seek treatment from a licensed pediatric physiotherapist. Untreated, congenital torticollis can cause the head to tilt unevenly, which could potentially lead to the need for surgical intervention in the future. Pediatric physiotherapists who are trained in the use of kinesiology tapes as part of their practice can effectively utilize CureTape® to treat congenital torticollis.

Early intervention with a pediatric physiotherapist can help alleviate the symptoms of congenital torticollis and prevent the condition from worsening. The physiotherapist will assess the severity of the torticollis and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs. This plan may include stretching exercises, positioning techniques, and the application of CureTape® to help correct the alignment of the head and neck muscles.

CureTape® Gentle is often used for infants due to its gentle adhesive and skin-friendly properties. The tape is applied over the thickened area of the sternocleidomastoid muscle without stretching, promoting muscle relaxation and correcting the head position. Regular monitoring by the physiotherapist will ensure that the tape is applied correctly and that your child responds well to the treatment.

Submitted case report of a 5-month-old baby with Congenital Torticollis:

We received this case study from Claartje Gouw, a physiotherapist and mother of a (at the time) 5-month-old baby. Her child was receiving treatment from a pediatric physiotherapist and an osteopath for misalignment issues. The baby’s right ear pulls towards the right shoulder, and turning to the right is not possible (photo 1).

The treatment process did not achieve the desired effect, so we were asked if CrossLinq or CureTape® could produce better results. Following the tape advice, CureTape® was applied, and there was an immediate noticeable difference. With encouragement from his mother, the baby could immediately turn his head to the right, as seen in the video. You can also see the beige CureTape® strip on the baby’s neck. Photo 2 shows the end result.

How to tape for Congenital Torticollis in babies

For babies, we recommend using our variant CureTape® Gentle. This tape has been specially developed for very young children, elderly people, and those with very sensitive skin. It’s important to achieve the desired effect with as little tape as possible. In this case, a strip of CureTape® about 2.5 cm wide and 10 cm long has been cut.

1. Preparation

   • Tear the release paper in the middle to prepare the tape for application.

2. Application

   • Positioning: It is not necessary to apply the tape over the entire sternocleidomastoid muscle; applying it over the thickened fibrotic area is sufficient.
   • Technique: Apply the tape using a ligament technique, without stretching it. Place it over the thickened fibrotic area of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.

3. Duration

   • Although the effect is visible immediately, it is recommended to keep the tape on for 3 weeks, with 5 days of taping followed by 2 days of rest, before applying new tape.

4. Skin Care

   • Ensure the tape does not cause any skin irritation.
   • Remove the tape carefully. It’s recommended to “grease” the tape with baby oil to dissolve the acrylic adhesive layer before removing it with an unrolling movement.

5. Monitoring

   • Monitor the baby’s response to the taping. If you notice any skin irritation or discomfort, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

This method is gentle and effective for treating congenital torticollis in babies.

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