Can Vojta Method Fix Pectus Excavatum in 2023? Is It a Scam?

The first time I heard about the Vojta method was when I read about it on Reddit. I didn’t know this method existed, and I decided to make a throughout research about it and whether it can help us with pectus excavatum.

I didn’t find any evidence of the connection between pectus excavatum and the Vojta method. However, the experience seemed interesting. I am writing this post to see whether others have used this method to pull the sternum out.

Personal Experience

The Reddit user shared his experience because there is a lack of information about chest abnormalities and this method.

He said the following:

I was on my knees with my elbows on the floor in front of my head, my forehead was touching the ground, and my hands were in the air with clenched fists and I was pushing my sternum out.

He says he was a teenager who approached this therapy casually at the time, thinking that the deformity would go away. He describes his experience with the Vojta method as very pleasant, and he is aware of the beneficial outcomes.

After that, he claims he failed despite trying to accomplish the same exercises at home. He suggests constantly seeking frequent counseling with a physician with expertise in this area.

He also shared the whole process, saying that finding the ideal position was a little challenging because the doctor kept giving him new instructions on which muscle to strain and how to position his body so that his chest would flatten.

He says it seemed like magic when he looked down, and his chest instantly became flat.

However, the respectable Reddit user, Pectus Surgeon, who does frequent Q&A’s on the forum, commented on this post, saying that pectus excavatum is not mentioned in the Vojta method and that the process doesn’t make sense from a mechanical standpoint for pectus excavatum. He called this Reddit post shenanigan.

 Let’s dive deeper into what this method is, what it does, and whether it can somehow help us with pectus excavatum.

What is the Vojta method/therapy, and how it works?

The dynamic neuromuscular treatment Vojta-Therapy is founded on reflex locomotion and developmental kinesiology theories. This technique can be used for patients with musculoskeletal deformities (pectus excavatum is such deformity) and central nervous system diseases.

It was created in the 20th century by child neurologist Prof. Vaclav Vojta and is now used worldwide.

This method diagnoses and treats movement abnormalities. Although Dr.Vojta developed the technique to treat children, it is also frequently used to treat adults.

The therapeutic application of reflex locomotion allows for restoring elementary movement patterns in patients, and they become accessible once again for them. Coordinated, rhythmic activation of the entire skeletal muscle is the key.

Motor reactions can already be induced and repeated by applying pressure to a specified start point.

The Vojta method produces long-lasting and rapid benefits evident from the first session in most patients. The priming effect is typically maintained for a few hours, after which you must repeat the technique.

Elementary info about the Vojta therapy

Vojta Therapy must be done frequently throughout the day to be effective. It would be best if you could do it up to four times where required.

• Each therapy session lasts 5 to 20 minutes.
• Exercise volume, frequency, and accuracy all affect therapy effectiveness.
• The Vojta therapist creates an individual program and decides on treatment objectives with the patient or parents whose kid does the Vojta method for best results.
• It is essential to start teaching the treatment method as soon as possible so you can do the therapy at home and be intensified it to the required level.
• The Vojta therapist should always be helpful and supportive during treatment, which might last for weeks, months, or even years. If you have an unpleasant experience with some therapist, always try to find a new one to have the best practice.

Vojta therapy in adults

In adulthood, it is frequently utilized as a preventive therapy to activate movement and prevent pain and future postural difficulties.

The therapy emits impulses that activate the higher cortical functions as a desired effect (motivation, concentration, patience, perception).

Rebuilding the patient’s everyday competence is the primary purpose of Vojta Therapy. That means the patients can continue their regular involvement in all life activities, but doctors usually advise you to continue practicing daily at home for the best results.

Vojta therapy in children

Children and newborns can also benefit from using Vojta Therapy. The results are best when the patient still needs to gain motor patterns.

The treatment aims to show substitute motor activity, activate, and maintain physiological movement patterns, reduce abnormal movement patterns, and incorporate them into normal motor processes.

In children, it is essential to begin as soon as possible, when needed, before the newborn develops substitute patterns.

Advice for parents

If you are a parent whose baby needs to do this therapy, know that it frequently results in crying. Naturally, this can cause you to worry and make you believe that your child is being “harmed” by it.

However, at this stage, crying is a frequent form of expression for your baby, who respond in this manner to unexpected activation. The crying typically lessens after a short period, and babies usually calm down immediately after therapy.

What to expect during the therapy?

Your body may or may not manifest visible reactions such as whole-body movement, so don’t be afraid. That is because of the neuro-sensitivity, condition, and age.

The younger the patient, the more reactive and exaggerated the responses can be. The effects may sometimes be noticeable only to a Vojta specialist or physiotherapist with a prior understanding of the technique.

Also, it is beneficial to ask every possible question you have in mind before starting, so your whole process will be more calming for you.

As a patient with pectus excavatum, you may need to know more about breathing and pain, so if the doctor neglects to mention it to you, ask everything you want to know.

If you decide to go with it, ask your doctor if this method will benefit you. Since there is a shortage of information about this method, it is always wise to seek medical advice first.

Possible Benefits for Pectus Excavatum

Besides the benefit of the therapy to the patient’s entire body, the Vojta method can also relieve stress, maintain balance in patients, and produce more emotional stability.

But, most importantly, this method offers benefits that positively affect a pectus excavatum deformity.

Respiratory function and Skeletal Musculature improvements

• Posture improvement
• The ribcage can widen
• Deeper and more stable breathing.
• Stretched, rotated, and functionally more movable spine.
• Easy head movements.
• The joints in the hip and shoulder center themselves properly.
• The hands and feet can be more widespread.

Bottom line

Without concrete information on the benefits of this therapy for sunken chest deformity, it will be beneficial if anyone shares their experience.

It is also considered that the number of professionals who know this technique is small, which may be the reason for its limited popularity.

However, from the available information, it is a specific method that can improve the whole body and has many benefits. If you are curious, you can try it, but first, please ask for professional medical guidance.

Visit their official website at www.vojta.com/en for more information if you’re interested in understanding and learning more about Vojta therapy. Thank you for reading!