Torticollis

Torticollis is a condition that you can see from the outside. You can recognize it when your child’s head turns to one side and tilts in the opposite direction. Torticollis is classified as either congenital (present at birth) or acquired (occurring later in infancy or childhood). No matter the classification, quick determination of the root cause and intervention is key to successful rehabilitation. 

Sometimes torticollis is associated with plagiocephaly (a common and treatable condition in which there is asymmetry in the shape of the head and face). This happens because the forces of gravity pull unevenly on a baby’s tilted head, causing a flattened appearance on one side of the skull or face).

With physical therapy intervention you will learn various ways to safely stretch and strengthen your child’s neck muscles, discover ways to play with and hold your child to encourage head movements that will improve symmetry and alternative positioning techniques (car seat, stroller, floor time) to aide in your child’s success.