Total Motion Release (TMR): Lower Trunk Rotation | Torticollis Physical Therapy #64 👶🏼

Torticollis is often thought of as a neck problem, but it is truly a whole-body movement issue. While many traditional approaches focus on stretching the tight side, Total Motion Release (TMR®) offers a counter-intuitive way of addressing asymmetry by working in the easier direction first. In this video, pediatric physical therapist Amy Sturkey demonstrates the TMR Lower Side Twist and explains how asymmetry through the pelvis and lower trunk can influence posture, rotation, and torticollis. TMR evaluates side-to-side movement, identifies which direction is easier versus more restricted, and then treats the easier side to help improve movement on the harder side. 👶🏼 Meet Bode, a typically developing baby who does not have torticollis. He helps demonstrate how to compare lower trunk rotation to the left and right, identify the easier direction, and hold the easier side to see whether movement on the more restricted side improves. This video is the fourth and final movement in the four-part TMR series, following the Upper Trunk Side Bend, Upper Trunk Twist, and Lower Trunk Side Bend. It highlights how rotational restrictions through the pelvis and lower trunk — not just the neck — can contribute to asymmetry and why TMR’s “shorten to lengthen” philosophy can be effective. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction & review of Total Motion Release 00:18 – Whole-body perspective on torticollis 01:01 – Why TMR works on the easier side 01:29 – Chinese finger trap example 02:03 – Introducing Lower Side Twist 02:17 – Assessing left vs right rotation 02:45 – Identifying the easier side 02:56 – Holding the easier direction 03:31 – Rechecking the restricted side 03:45 – Research patterns in upper vs lower twist 04:06 – Duration & practical tips 04:44 – Clinical application & outcomes 05:10 – Subscribe & notifications ⚠️ Important note Total Motion Release® (TMR®) is a registered trademark. This video reflects clinical education and application by a pediatric physical therapist and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the TMR organization. 📚 Learn more about Total Motion Release (TMR) Official pediatric TMR training and philosophy: https://www.tmrtots.com/ (Link provided for reference only and does not imply affiliation or endorsement.) 📘 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Congenital Muscular Torticollis https://pediatricapta.org/clinical-practice-guidelines/Congenital-Muscular-Torticollis.cfm 🧩 Watch the entire torticollis playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAkJbMrHyKjOS1oT3rtE8PzHf_KL-dAz9 ⚠️ Safety Note These videos are for educational purposes and are not a replacement for in-person physical therapy. Every child is unique. Please do not try these techniques if your baby’s health or motor skills differ significantly from Bode’s. (I cannot provide treatment recommendations for a child I have not personally evaluated.) 📧 Contact amysturkey@gmail.com 🌐 Website www.pediatricPTexercises.com 🪶 Accessibility Closed captions have been reviewed and corrected. To turn on captions: Click CC To change languages: ⚙️ Settings → Subtitles/CC → Choose language or Auto-translate If captions block important details, they can be toggled off in the video player. 📚 Books by Amy Sturkey (Amazon) “P is for Poop and Pee Accidents” – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BLSRJ483 “A is for Anxiety” – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09LXQ3W6V “A is for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder” – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08QH9H5HR “C is for Cerebral Palsy” – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088TSJCYP “D is for Down Syndrome” – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079P8HH49 “A is for Autism” – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071F4FFTB 🧠 Professional PT Books Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Hips – https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998156736 Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Knees – https://www.amazon.com/dp/0998156760 Pediatric Physical Therapy Strengthening Exercises for the Ankles – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TX2ZCFD