Start with the Head Control

In this episode of OT Conversations, we talk about the critical role of head and neck control in rehabilitation, especially for patients experiencing severe deconditioning. We highlight that while much focus is often placed on gross motor skills and endurance training, ensuring proper head and neck movements is foundational. We emphasize that head control is crucial for overall body movement and provide various techniques for stimulating and strengthening the neck, including proprioceptive and vestibular stimulation through methods like manual massage, using a Theraball, and controlled wheelchair movements. We advocate for integrating these practices into therapy sessions to enhance patient outcomes and overall mobility.