At North West Physio in Lutwyche, we understand the concerns parents face when caring for infants with torticollis.
Our paediatric physiotherapy team supports developmental delays and other paediatric conditions through personalised, effective rehabilitation.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key indicators of infant torticollis, how it can impact your child’s development, and the physiotherapy techniques we use to support recovery.
What is torticollis in infants?
Congenital torticollis is a postural deformity of the neck that typically develops prenatally. It is often noticed within the first month of life, but diagnosis can sometimes be delayed. There are two main types of torticollis:
Muscular torticollis:
This is the most common form, characterised by tightness of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle, which limits the passive range of motion.
Postural torticollis:
In this case, the infant has a preferred head posture without muscle tightness or restrictions.
Torticollis symptoms: key indicators to look out for
As a parent or caregiver, here are some signs that may indicate your infant has torticollis:
Head position:
The head and ear may tilt toward the affected SCM, while the chin points to the opposite side.
Limited neck movement:
If you gently stabilise your baby while lying on their back, they should be able to turn their chin past their shoulder and laterally flex their neck. Limited movement can suggest torticollis.
SCM mass:
If you feel the neck, there may be a firm, well-defined SCM mass present on the affected side.
Head shape changes:
Watch for plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) or facial asymmetry, which are common in infants with torticollis.
Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH):
This condition is often associated with torticollis, so assessing your baby’s hips is important.
Torticollis in Infants: impact on development and daily activities
Torticollis can significantly affect your baby’s physical development and daily activities, including tummy time. Here’s how:
Favouring one side:
Your baby may prefer looking over one shoulder and struggle to turn their head in the opposite direction, which can lead to frustration.
Feeding preferences:
If breastfeeding, your baby might favour one breast, which could lead to feeding difficulties.
Flat spots:
Prolonged positioning can cause flat spots on the head.
Neck tightness:
You might notice a small lump on the side of the contracted muscle.
Treating torticollis: physiotherapy techniques
Effective physiotherapy for torticollis often includes a combination of active and passive range of motion exercises. At North West Physio, we focus on:
Stretching exercises:
These target the tighter side of the neck to loosen the SCM muscle.
Strengthening exercises:
We help strengthen the weaker muscle on the opposite side.
Paediatric torticollis: supporting recovery at home
Parents play a crucial role in their infant’s recovery. Here are some at-home strategies:
Sleeping position:
When placing your baby down for sleep, position them with their torticollis side facing the wall. This encourages them to turn their head in the opposite direction to see you.
Tummy time adjustments:
During tummy time, position your baby so they need to stretch their neck to look in the opposite direction of their head tilt. Use toys or sounds to draw their attention.
Feeding techniques:
While feeding, encourage your baby to face the opposite direction of their head tilt. This can help promote balanced neck movement.
In some cases, if other treatments have not been effective, surgical options may be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Preventing torticollis and other neck issues
While congenital torticollis often develops in utero, early detection is key. Regular check-ups and monitoring your infant’s neck movement can help catch potential issues early on.
Understanding and Managing Torticollis: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
At North West Physio Lutwyche, we support your child’s development through specialised physiotherapy services. If you suspect your infant may have torticollis or if you have concerns about their physical development, don’t hesitate to contact us or book online for guidance and support. Together, we can help your little one thrive!
