Torticollis: What it is and what to do
Torticollis is a very common, although not always well known, neck condition that is seen in infants.
It is basically the result of strained neck muscle(s). Some common causes include large size at birth, traumatic birth and multiple births, however, there are also many cases seen where the root cause remains unknown. A strained neck muscle in an adult would likely only result in some mild discomfort but in an infant, who has minimal muscle control, it results in a chronic tip of the head and neck towards the side of the affected muscle. If left untreated, these muscles will remain shortened and cause the infant to develop reduced range of movement for their head/neck as well as limit their gross motor development and ability to engage with their environment.
Without proper treatment, torticollis is unlikely to resolve on its own and can even lead to the need for muscle release surgery in childhood. Prolonged time spent without the ability to move the head and neck properly can also cause flat spots to form on an infant’s head which may require the use of a cranial shaping helmet to correct. The good news is that a pediatric physical therapist can easily help prevent the long-term consequences of torticollis!
Therapeutic interventions for this condition include assessment of the head and neck to determine which muscles are affected and to screen for flattened spots on the skull. Exercises are used to help strengthen core and neck muscles to help overcome the positional symptoms of torticollis. Manual therapy including stretching and massage helps to ease tightness and improve range of movement. One of the most important parts of physical therapy for torticollis is the education provided to caregivers for environmental and activity adaptations that can be made at home to help maximize the infant’s progress. Many infants are referred for therapy from their pediatrician when a change in head shape or neck position is noticed at a well-baby exam.
If you are concerned that your infant is unable to turn their head to one side or if they appear to always have their head tipped to the same side, they may have torticollis. You can voice these concerns to your pediatrician and ask for a therapy referral or simply call your local pediatric physical therapist directly to schedule an evaluation. The earlier that treatment is received, the quicker that results will be seen! At Ivy Rehab for Kids, we have many convenient locations with pediatric physical therapists who specialize in the treatment of torticollis.
Fenton 810-629-0530 – Davison 810-652-8650 – Hartland 810-991-1211
Howell 517-376-4831 – Brighton 734-449-4649
– Bethany Bedford, PT, DPT
Ivy Rehab for Kids
Hartland, MI
www.ivyrehab.com/location/hartland/
