What is Torticollis?

If you suspect that your infant may have torticollis, look for the following:

• Enlargement of the neck muscles on one side
• Asymmetry of the infant’s head from sleeping on the affected side   
• Elevation of the shoulder on the affected side
• Stiffness of the neck muscles
• Decreased range of motion in the neck

In general, there will be an obvious tilt/turn of the head towards the affected side.

Current Treatments:

• Stretching of the affected neck muscles

• The positioning of the baby to decrease the tendency to get into shortened muscle positions

• Encouraging active play and positioning to avoid shortening of the neck muscles

How can Physical Therapy Help?

Physical Therapy can be very helpful for infants diagnosed with torticollis.  Parents tend to worry when they think something is wrong with their child, however, torticollis is often easily treated.  A physical therapist can assess each infant to ensure they are reaching their developmental milestones.

Physical Therapists can teach you how to prevent or manage a condition so that they will achieve long-term benefits.

The Physical Therapist will be able to show parents proper stretching techniques for the shortened muscles both passively (meaning the parents or the physical therapist is doing the stretching) and actively, by getting the baby to actively look the other way. They can also demonstrate the proper techniques for infant positioning during feeding, sleeping, eating, and playing to help stretch the muscles.

Reddy Care Success Story: 

“Reddy Care Physical Therapy treated our daughter for Torticollis from age 6 months through 8 months. We were very pleased with all aspects of the therapy she received from Stelios. His approach and demeanor were perfect for our little girl. Under his care, our daughter showed excellent improvement. We would highly recommend Reddy-Care Physical Therapy."        -Z.M.

If you have any questions, give Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy a call!
Reddy Care Great Neck: 516-829-0030
Reddy Care Farmingdale: 516-420-2900
In-Home Physical & Occupational Therapy: 516-829-0030

Author

Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy is an outstanding specialty service providing exceptional care and state-of-the-art treatments for the residents of Farmingdale and Great Neck, New York. The combination of innovative exercise programs, manual therapy, and technology together with the expertise of every member of the team enables Reddy Care Physical & Occupational Therapy to provide services that ensure superior clinical outcomes and consistently high patient satisfaction.