Neck stretching for the left SCM muscle

The sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) is a neck muscle. It has 2 bands. 1 attaches from behind the ear to the breast bone and the other from behind the ear to the collar bone.

Because of these 2 attachments, a tight left SCM muscle can affect the neck by causing the head to tilt to the left side or causing the head to rotate to the right side.

This left sided neck tightness can cause a child to have a neck turn preference to the right.

To help reduce this tightness we have several exercises and positions to try.

Rotation stretch

Apply a firm downward pressure on your child’s right shoulder to make sure it stays in contact with the supporting surface throughout the stretch.

Use your other hand to gently rotate your child’s head towards their left shoulder. At some stage you will feel pressure resistance. Hold at this point for 20 seconds. Repeat this 5 times, 5 to 6 times per day.

Sidebend stretch

Using your right hand, apply a firm downward pressure on the left shoulder and cup your left hand over the left side of your child’s head.

Gently bring your child’s right ear towards their right shoulder. Try to keep your baby facing forwards. At some stage you will feel some resistance. Hold at this point for 20 seconds. Repeats this 5 times, 5 to 6 times per day.

Another way to stretch this muscle is to hold your child in a side lying position facing away from you with their left ear resting on your left elbow. Place your right arm between their legs to support your child’s body. Raise your left elbow to apply a stretch. You can also use this as a carrying position.

Alternative positions for stretching the left SCM muscle

Place your child on their tummy, with their head turned to the left. Try and make sure both their shoulders stay flat against the supporting surface. Use toys and distractions to encourage your child to stay in this position for 20 seconds.

You can also do this stretch by holding your child close to your chest making sure their shoulders are flat against your chest and head looking to the left.

You can also lie your child on their left side, stabilising their head looking towards the left and gently allow the right shoulder and hip to fall backwards onto the supporting surface. Gravity and body weight will help this and help provide a good stretch. Toys and distractions should be used to help keep your child looking to the left.