Neck stretching for the right 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 right SCM muscle can affect the neck by causing the head to tilt to the right side or causing the head to rotate to the left side.

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

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

Rotation stretch

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

Gently bring your child’s left ear towards their left 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 right ear resting on your right elbow. Place your left arm between their legs to support your child’s body. Raise your right elbow to apply a stretch. You can also use this as a carrying position.

Alternative positions for stretching the right SCM muscle

Place your child on their tummy, with their head turned to the right. 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 right.

You can also lie your child on their right side, stabilising their head looking towards the right and gently allow the left 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 right.