05/10/2022
Let’s talk Torticollis!
Do you notice a preference in the way your baby holds or turns their head? Do you see a difference in their face on one side (eyes, cheek, ear) or in their head shape? This could be attributed to a very common condition in infants called Torticollis.
Torticollis is a tightening or spasm in one of the neck muscles called the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM). This typically happens due to position in utero. With tightness in the SCM, the baby’s head will typically be held with the ear to one shoulder and the chin turned in the opposite direction (right ear to right shoulder and head turned to the left - chin to left).
Torticollis is treatable and early intervention is key! Typically, the earlier you start treatment with a Physical Therapist, and are instructed in a home exercise program with your baby, the quicker the resolution of symptoms. We’ve started treatment on infants as early as a few days old with early detection. Treatment involves positioning, neck stretches, range of motion exercises, and working towards meeting developmental milestones.
Untreated, Torticollis can lead to plagiocephaly (type of head flattening), delay in achieving milestones, asymmetry in achieving milestones such as rolling to one side only, having a hand dominance as an infant, and scoliosis as the child ages due to the positioning of the neck causing the rest of the spine to compensate.
If you suspect your infant has Torticollis, don’t “wait and see”. Torticollis typically has 100% resolution of symptoms with no residual or long term effects if treated appropriately. The earlier you seek treatment from a pediatric PT, the better!
Has your child been diagnosed with Torticollis or not sure if your child has Torticollis? Give us a call for a consultation with one of our doctors of Physical Therapy.
347.857.6368
