Pediatric Torticollis Therapy
What is Torticollis?
Torticollis is a condition where a baby may favor looking towards one side, have difficulty turning their head, or maintain a tilted head position. It’s caused by a tight sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM), which helps with head tilting and turning. This condition can affect a baby’s development, making the child fall behind on gross and fine motor skills.
How does it develop?
Torticollis can develop through various means, but it is most often congenital and non-traumatic. Traumatic causes might stem from birth trauma or neurological issues. Congenital torticollis typically arises from the baby’s position in the womb. Factors like being a firstborn, multiple births, larger baby size, petite maternal stature, or breech birth increase the risk. In cramped positions, the baby’s neck may develop a “kink” due to limited space, leading to tightness in the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle and difficulty in neck movement.
How is it treated?
Torticollis treatment primarily involves occupational therapy, which can significantly improve your baby’s condition and head shape. After evaluation, you and your occupational therapist will collaborate to enhance your baby’s strength, posture, and overall development while ruling out other potential causes.
Consistent adherence to the home exercise program is crucial, including stretches, re-positioning techniques, and strengthening exercises taught by the therapist during sessions. If repositioning efforts don’t sufficiently improve your baby’s head shape, a cranial shaping helmet may be recommended.
How can I prevent Torticollis in my baby?
Encourage tummy time for your baby while supervised, aiming for at least 10 minutes, three times a day. If initially challenging, try an elevated position like on a boppy pillow or your chest. Tummy time reduces pressure on the head, promoting a rounded shape, while also building neck, back, and arm strength and enhancing visual skills.
Limit your child’s time in positioning devices like car seats, strollers, bouncers, and swings to maintain proper positioning and head support.
Wondering if your Child has Torticollis?
At CPT, our team is committed to providing personalized care and tailored strategies to effectively treat torticollis, helping your baby reach important developmental milestones on schedule. If you notice signs that your baby may be experiencing torticollis, please contact us to discuss your concerns and determine whether an evaluation is necessary.