Heartspring Outcomes

Pediatric Services Outcomes

Abbie Adam Austin Ayana Cara Danya Jack Jacob Julie Mariz Megan Nathaniel Noah Preslie Quinn Robbie Rylee Wyatt Zane Zoe 2007 Year in Revew

Abbie When Abbie was two months old she was referred to Heartspring for torticollis, a condition that causes the head to tip to one side, while the chin is turned to the other. According to her mom, Emily, Abbie did not move the last two months of her pregnancy, with her head down in her pelvis. Emily was very concerned that, since birth, Abbie would not turn her head to the left. Despite her mother's efforts to help her, Abbie always kept her head tilted to the left and turned to the right. Emily also noticed flatness on the right side of Abbie’s head. Abbie had also been a fussy baby, unable to sleep comfortably in a crib; she resorted to napping in the infant swing.

Abbie was evaluated at Heartspring Pediatric Services where physical therapist Denise Begnoche confirmed that she had significant muscle tightness on the left side of her neck (torticollis). In addition Abbie had flattening on the right side of her head in back, a condition called plagiocephaly. Subsequently she developed ear and facial asymmetry, causing her face and head to look distorted. After initial stretching in therapy, Denise taught Emily an exercise and positioning program that she began in earnest. Abbie’s progress was apparent at each weekly therapy session.

“Emily’s dedication to Abbie’s daily exercises and positioning was instrumental in her rapid improvement,” said Denise.

In January 2008, at four and half months of age, Abbie was voluntarily turning her head fully both ways, and was able to hold her head up in the middle. Best of all, her chubby little face was round and symmetrical, as was her head. As a result Abbie has been discharged from Heartspring, much to the delight of Emily and Denise.

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