For an acute right-sided torticollis, which neck movement is the most effective stretch to lengthen the sternocleidomastoid?

For an acute right-sided torticollis, which neck movement is the most effective stretch to lengthen the sternocleidomastoid?

• A. Right rotation and right lateral flexion
• B. Left rotation and right lateral flexion
• C. Left rotation and left lateral flexion
• D. Right rotation and left lateral flexion

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that the sternocleidomastoid on one side has a specific action: it rotates the head to the opposite side and laterally flexes the head toward the same side. To lengthen a shortened right SCM, you place the neck into the position that is opposite to its usual action. So, rotate the head to the right and tilt it to the left. This moves the right SCM into a stretch along its fibers, helping to lengthen it and reduce the torticollis on that side. Movements that rotate toward the left or side-bend to the right would follow the right SCM’s action, not lengthen it, and thus are less effective for this specific stretch.

The main idea is that the sternocleidomastoid on one side has a specific action: it rotates the head to the opposite side and laterally flexes the head toward the same side. To lengthen a shortened right SCM, you place the neck into the position that is opposite to its usual action.

So, rotate the head to the right and tilt it to the left. This moves the right SCM into a stretch along its fibers, helping to lengthen it and reduce the torticollis on that side.

Movements that rotate toward the left or side-bend to the right would follow the right SCM’s action, not lengthen it, and thus are less effective for this specific stretch.