When you are told your young or newborn child may have torticollis, it can seem worrisome and overwhelming. Physical Therapists are the perfect providers to help improve tight muscles in the neck, provide strategies to improve positioning, and prevent further complications such as plagiocephaly (flat spot on the head).
What is Torticollis?
Torticollis is a condition causing an asymmetrical head or neck position often caused by tight muscles in the neck or postural habits. Torticollis affects as many as 16% of all newborns.
Signs and Symptoms
The most common sign of torticollis occurs when placing the child on their back, such as in a crib or bassinet. In doing so, the child’s neck bends, with one ear moving closer to the shoulder while the baby’s face turns upward in the other direction. Another sign would be a preference towards only turning head one direction, instead of equally both directions.
It can develop prior to birth due to its position in the womb, but it can also develop after the child is born. In some children, being in a constant position, such as in a car seat or a swing, can lead to the development of this condition if their head is often bent in that direction.
Other common signs include:
- Limited range of motion with the neck and head.
- Recessed eye and smaller cheek on the side of the face with the tight muscles
- Asymmetry in ear position
- Feeding problems, including latching issues, preference towards feeding in one position (bottle fed) or on one breast (breast feeding)
How Can Physical Therapy Help Torticollis?
One of the most common and effective treatments for torticollis is physical therapy. This condition responds well to physical therapy, especially when it begins early on. Often, torticollis can resolve fully with effective physical therapy.
Physical therapists have extensive experience with human body movement. They can pinpoint what is occurring, determine the cause, and then create a treatment strategy to address the unique needs of the patient.
Physical Therapy Treatment & Exercises for Torticollis
Working closely with a pediatric physical therapist for an individualized treatment plan is essential. Your child should receive a formal discussion and treatment plan that fits their specific symptoms and limitations. Your child’s physical therapist will teach you various stretches and exercises designed to improve your child’s movement and neck strength. Below are some activities and adjustments to try prior to your first physical therapy visit:
- Gentle Neck Range of Motion
- When your baby is content or resting, try and gently rotate their head away from the side they typically prefer
- When your baby is playing while lying on their back or sitting, place favorite toys and items that make sound away from their preferred position
- Positioning Adjustments
- When possible, try and have your baby feed (bottle or breast) in a neutral head position and not fully rotated to one side or the other
- Tummy Time
- Prop their chest and elbows on top of a small pillow or rolled up towel in order to encourage neck muscle strengthening and avoid excess pressure on the back or side of their head
When to Seek Help from a Physical Therapist
We encourage you to seek out help for torticollis as soon as you suspect any type of problem. It is never too early to ask a pediatric physical therapist to provide an assessment and therapy can be beneficial as early as 2-4 weeks old. If your child is experiencing any of the signs and symptoms above, you do not need a referral to get started, so contact us to schedule today!
Let Our Team at Rock Valley Physical Therapy Help You
If you suspect torticollis or want to rule it out, reach out to our team at Rock Valley Physical Therapy. With our advanced strategies and hands-on support, we will help your child and give you the tools you need to enable them to recover fully from this condition. Find a clinic that’s close to you now. Book an appointment for torticollis physical therapy and learn more about how we can help you.