PHYSIOTHERAPY FOR CONGENITAL MUSCULAR TORTICOLLI IN ADOLESCENCE: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) is a specific musculoskeletal dysfunction due to lateral direction of the cervical spine to the affected side and contralateral rotation, resulting from fibrous shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). Physiotherapy intervention is performed individually, with emphasis on passive and active-assisted stretching, isometric and isotonic strengthening of antagonist muscle groups, postural reeducation and guidance to parents or caregivers. The present study aimed to analyze the clinical-functional evolution of an adolescent affected with CMT, through a specific physiotherapy protocol aimed at improving cervical range of motion (ROM), postural alignment and reducing functional limitations associated with the condition. This is a case study, carried out at the Physiotherapy School Clinic of an undergraduate course, with a female patient diagnosed with CMT. The evaluation methods included detailed clinical history, inspection and palpation of cervical structures, goniometry to measure ROM, manual muscle strength testing (MMST), and functional postural analysis. Physiotherapy treatment included myofascial release techniques, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), cervical segmental mobilizations, global postural reeducation (GPR), and kinetic-functional stimulation. The results obtained showed gains in cervical mobility, muscle balance, and postural symmetry, corroborating the literature regarding the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic interventions, even in cases presented late, such as in adolescence.