Newborns and infants who experience torticollis develop symptoms that worry many parents across the country, but the good news is that physical therapy is reliably effective at treating the condition and preventing any negative side effects in the future. As always, ask your doctor or a qualified physical therapist before beginning at-home exercises or activities you think might help your child get back to normal motor function.
Causes of torticollis
Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is the medical term for torticollis in infants, which is caused by a tightening and shortening of a specific neck muscle that may be accompanied by other head or neck conditions. The condition arises spontaneously, meaning there’s not necessarily a preventable cause for the condition. Evidence suggests that regular “tummy time” and providing stimulation that encourages looking in both directions can reduce the incidence or likelihood of torticollis.
Symptoms of torticollis in infants
The neck muscle tightening of torticollis can cause several symptoms but is most often identified when the head is fixed in a position tilted toward one shoulder and facing the opposite direction. Additional symptoms can develop if torticollis is not treated, including a flattening of the head where it lays due to the torticollis, and asymmetrical head positioning and movement as the baby grows and develops.
This is why it’s important to seek out a physical therapist who can diagnose and provide personalized treatment before torticollis has longer-term effects on the baby’s physical and cognitive development.
How physical therapy can help treat torticollis
Despite the potentially worrying side effects, torticollis is reliably treatable with physical therapy exercises. Treatment includes educating parents on at-home torticollis exercises, postures, and environmental stimulation, providing active and passive range-of-motion stretches and movements during in-person appointments. Our physical therapists may also recommend changes to the baby’s environment, such as limiting use of car seats, bouncers, swings, or strollers, as well as practices to encourage symmetrical motion and muscle development.
What to expect from physical therapy for torticollis
During the first appointment with a torticollis physical therapist, they will perform a thorough evaluation of your infant’s range-of-motion capabilities, muscle tightness, strength, motor skills, and perception, not only to assess the degree of torticollis requiring treatment, but also the presence or absence of other conditions. They’ll discuss what they’ve observed with you and begin creating a treatment plan with you, demonstrating prescribed exercises and allowing you to practice to get the technique correct before heading home.
As with any pediatric physical therapy plan, we make this treatment in partnership with parents. The best outcomes for your child will depend on the type of torticollis and your preferences for treatment, as well as consistency in following the treatment plan.
Find a pediatric physical therapist near you
Torticollis can be disturbing to see affecting your infant, but it’s not something to worry too much about when you get a treatment plan in place quickly. If you’ve got questions about the posture, muscle stiffness, or range of motion that your baby might be experiencing, don’t hesitate to reach out to our pediatric physical therapists today. You can start a conversation with our team by calling a nearby office location or requesting an appointment online.
