Wry Neck

Since Hazel was about 3 months old Mama has been taking her to physical therapy at Children's Hospital for a little kink in her neck called torticollis, much more common than you would ever think (take a look at Obama, he has a mild tort tilt). Most people wouldn't have noticed it but Hazel had a slight twist in her neck that made her look a bit like a comma with a lean to her right side. It's nothing serious, most likely a result of the quick birth and the cord wrapped so tightly around her neck. However, it wouldn't correct on it's own so physical therapy was started early. We were given exercise to do with her every day to stretch her muscles and increase her neck rotation. Slowly she has straightened out and the curiosity of a baby trying to get a glimpse of everything around her has been the biggest instigator of the correction. Sandy was wonderful with her, monitoring her progress and giving me guidance. It was difficult going to the hospital and seeing so many children in the PT wing who had real challenges to work though - these folks do amazing work and make the therapy as much fun as possible for the kids. On our last visit Sandy said Hazel looked great and we're all done with the therapy!! She may regress with sickness, teething or developmental spurts for the next few years but it was great to hear that was the last of it.


I have also been taking her to an osteopath in San Francisco on the recommendation of a friend who's son had a milder case of tort. Lee's treatment varied greatly from Sandy's but gave me a wider understanding of Hazel's physical development, her ability to heal herself given gentle cues and the importance of letting babies learn motor skills without intervention. Many babies are actually skipping over developmental skills that teach them valuable thought processes - they didn't used to do that. She did a lot of gentle massage and alignment of Hazel's hips, neck, shoulder and even the roof of her mouth! It has been fascinating to watch Hazel's realignment and a lot of work to keep up with it. She has been a really good sport and a happy patient. I just snapped a few pictures to show her when she's 16 giving me attitude and remind her what Mommy did for her....