Total Motion Release (TMR): Lower Trunk Side Bend | Torticollis Physical Therapy #63 👶🏽

🧠 Total Motion Release (TMR): Lower Trunk Side Bend & Torticollis | Pediatric Physical Therapy #63 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 Trunk Side Bend and explains how lower trunk asymmetry can influence posture, movement, 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 assess lower trunk side bending in both supine (on the back) and prone (on the belly), compare left versus right movement, and hold the easier direction to see whether motion on the more restricted side improves. This video is the third in a four-part TMR series, following the Upper Trunk Side Bend and Upper Trunk Twist. It highlights how 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 & overview of Total Motion Release 00:15 – TMR philosophy: why shortening can help relaxation 00:52 – Review of prior TMR movements 01:24 – Where Lower Trunk Side Bend fits in the series 01:35 – What lower trunk side bend looks like 01:57 – Expected movement patterns with torticollis 02:16 – Assessing easy side vs harder side 02:27 – Holding the easier side 03:03 – Rechecking movement on the restricted side 03:21 – Performing lower trunk side bend in prone 03:55 – Key takeaways & clinical application 04:21 – 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