Torticollis: What you need to know
From the moment infants are born, they begin exploring the world around them. Today, let’s talk about our littlest kids and something that impacts their movement and development: Torticollis
You may have heard of this before, but conversations about it have left you googling what it means or confused on how you can support your little one. Torticollis, sometimes called "wry neck," occurs when a baby's neck muscles become tight or shortened, making it difficult for them to turn their head equally in both directions. Does your baby keep their head to one side? This may be a sign of Torticollis.
Torticollis is often present at birth and can result from positioning in the womb or from a difficult delivery. The good news… we can help your little one increase their range of motion, avoid that flat spot that can develop on their head, and support their motor development!
That all sounds great, but what does this look like? At Inspire Connections Therapy, LLC our certified Physical Therapist, Kassie, has lots of experience working with infants just like yours. Early intervention with stretching exercises, repositioning, and tummy time can be incredibly effective in helping infants gain full movement in their necks. Simple activities, like alternating the direction in which you place toys or positioning them to turn their head during sleep, can make a huge difference.
If you are unsure whether or not your baby has Torticollis, we can do a free screening in the office for newborn babies up to 1 year olds. You can also talk with your pediatrician and they can provide recommendations for how to best support your little one. In order to avoid challenges with head control, rolling, and other motor skills such as sitting and crawling our physical therapist develops a personalized routine of stretches and activities to build strength and motion.
Here’s the thing: many parents may not immediately notice torticollis, but addressing it early can prevent bigger issues down the road. If you think your baby may have torticollis, consider these questions:
Does your baby consistently turn their head to one side?
Do they have difficulty looking in the opposite direction?
Is there a flat spot developing on one side of their head?
If you answered yes to any of these, it may be time to consult a pediatrician or physical therapist. Listen to your baby’s needs, understand what their body is telling you, and find ways to support their healthy development. Give us a call today to see how we can help!