Physical Therapy for Children

A diagnosis of torticollis means that there is a neck musculature imbalance- the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) is usually the muscle involved. The SCM is the large neck muscle that runs from the mastoid process (close to the ear), all the way down to the sternum. Its function is to rotate and tilt the head.  When the SCM is tight on one side it causes the head to tilt in that direction and rotate to the opposite direction. For example, if the right SCM is tight, the child's head will tilt to the right and rotate to the left. Now, there are exceptions to every rule and sometimes a child's head will tilt and rotate to the same side, but for the most part, torticollis follows the previously mentioned pattern. The cause of the musculature imbalance could be related to how the child was positioned in the womb, positioning following birth during sleep or resting, and/or if the child is not getting the necessary amount of "tummy time".  

I have had many babies come in for treatment due to their parents ability to pick up on early signs and asking their pediatricians for referrals. Typically, parents begin to notice their child's head is flat on one side or in the back or a slight tilt of the neck/head in photos. The treatment for torticollis is effective- with physical therapy treatment weekly for 6-12 weeks, depending on the severity, and a home exercise program that is implemented daily. Torticollis can resolve quickly and easily. 

The first step is to receive a pediatric physical therapy evaluation and a home stretching program for your baby. Please feel free to ask questions if your child has been diagnosed with torticollis. Further treatment ideas and tools are to come in a future blog.