03/11/2026
🚨Many parents hear this at a pediatric doc apt:
“Your baby prefers looking to one side… we might need to watch their head shape or consider a helmet”
This can feel scary — but often the underlying issue is infant torticollis, and pediatric physical therapy can help! My daughter experienced this, I get it!❤️
👶 What is torticollis?
Torticollis happens when a baby has a tight neck muscle, making it easier to turn their head one direction and harder to turn the other. Because babies spend so much time on their backs early on, this can lead to flattening on one side of the head😳
🚨But it’s not just about head shape — it can affect how babies learn to move🚨
🔎 Signs parents might notice:
• Baby prefers looking one direction
• Difficulty turning their head both ways
• Flattening on one side of the head
• Rolling only one direction
• Struggles during tummy time
• One shoulder slightly higher
• Reaching or kicking more on one side
💡 Why pediatric PT helps
Pediatric physical therapy focuses on the *root cause* — muscle tightness and movement patterns🙌🏼
A pediatric PT helps babies:
✔ Improve neck mobility
✔ Build strength on both sides
✔ Develop symmetrical movement
✔ Learn to roll, reach, and play evenly
✔ Reduce the risk of worsening head flattening
✨ Why early treatment matters✨
Movement development starts at the head and neck. If babies move mostly one way, it can affect rolling, sitting balance, crawling, and coordination later on
