Torticollis: Causes, Treatment, and How Occupational Therapy Can Help
Torticollis, often referred to as “wry neck,” or used alongside the "C shape body posture" description. It is a condition where an infant’s neck muscles become tight, causing their head to tilt to one side and rotate to the other. It’s most commonly caused by tightening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, making it difficult for babies to move their heads freely. Where the head goes, the body follows. If the head cannot move freely the body cannot either. This condition can lead to flattening of the head on one side (positional plagiocephaly), as well as delays in motor development if left untreated.
If you’re a parent in Eugene, Oregon, and have noticed your baby tilting their head to one side or struggling with head movements, it’s important to seek help early. With proper intervention, most babies can resolve torticollis and go on to reach their milestones without further complications. You can schedule a free consultation with me here or read more about my services here.
What Causes Torticollis in Babies? What is the cause of infant body tension?
Torticollis can develop for a few reasons:
Congenital Torticollis: This type of torticollis is present at birth and is caused by the baby’s position in the womb, especially in cases of breech births or tight space in the uterus. It can also result from trauma during delivery.
Acquired Torticollis: This type develops after birth and can be related to muscular imbalances, such as when babies frequently lie on one side, leading to the shortening of one side of the neck muscles.
Signs of Torticollis
Parents may want to look for these common signs of torticollis in their baby:
Head tilt: The baby’s head is consistently tilted to one side.
Limited neck movement: Difficulty turning the head fully or holding it upright.
Asymmetry in the face or head shape: Flattening on one side of the head (plagiocephaly) due to spending more time on one side.
Favoring one breast during breastfeeding: Babies with torticollis may find it easier to turn their head to one side, making breastfeeding on the opposite side uncomfortable.
Crawling with one leg.
If you observe any of these signs, seeking an evaluation from an infant occupational therapist can help determine if torticollis is present and what treatments may be necessary.
How Occupational Therapy Helps Treat Torticollis
As a pediatric occupational therapist serving the Eugene, Oregon area, I specialize in helping infants with torticollis regain proper head and neck movement. Early intervention is key, as untreated torticollis can delay your baby’s ability to reach motor milestones, such as crawling, rolling, and sitting. It can make breastfeeding or bottle feeding more difficult causing pain on one breast, difficulty transferring milk, poor weight gain and more!
Here’s how I approach treating torticollis through occupational therapy:
1. Stretching and Positioning Exercises: A core part of torticollis treatment involves gentle stretching exercises that lengthen the tight neck muscles. These exercises are crucial to improving range of motion. Additionally, I provide guidance to parents on how to position their baby during daily activities (feeding, tummy time, sleeping) to promote equal movement on both sides of the body.
2. Tummy Time: Tummy time is essential for strengthening neck and shoulder muscles. I’ll guide you on how to adjust tummy time to benefit your baby with torticollis. I provide customized techniques to make tummy time enjoyable and effective in correcting muscle tightness. As the only tummy time certified provider in Oregon, I have specialized skills to help with tummy time development without crying.
3. Encouraging Head Movement: During therapy, I use toys, mirrors, and visual stimuli to encourage babies to turn their heads toward their less-preferred side, promoting balanced neck movement. Using play based therapy helps make this process fun and engaging instead of a fight.
4. Plagiocephaly Management: In cases where torticollis has led to head flattening, I offer strategies to reshape the head through repositioning and motor activities. This can sometimes be combined with helmet therapy if needed.
5. Gross Motor Development: Torticollis can delay gross motor skills like crawling and rolling. Through therapy, I support your baby’s holistic overall development, ensuring they reach their motor milestones while addressing torticollis.
4. Fine Motor Development: Torticollis can also prevent a baby from being aware of one side of their body. This may cause them to use vision or their hands less on one side of their body. Occupational Therapy can help encourage them to use body hands and their visual skills. equally.
Why Early Intervention is Important
Early intervention is critical when treating torticollis. If left untreated, it can affect not only your baby’s neck movement but also their ability to hit key milestones like sitting up, rolling over, or walking. Additionally, untreated torticollis can lead to longer-term postural issues and asymmetries in the body.
As a pediatric occupational therapist in Eugene, Oregon, I provide hands-on therapy and teach parents at-home techniques that are gentle yet effective. Together, we can work to ensure your baby’s head, neck, and overall motor development progress smoothly.
When to Seek Help for Torticollis
If you notice signs of torticollis, it’s important to get your baby evaluated as soon as possible. Treatment is most effective when started early—ideally within the first 3 months of life. As a local occupational therapist, I provide convenient in-home consultations for families in the Eugene, Oregon area, offering personalized treatment plans to support your baby’s recovery from torticollis.
Contact Me for Torticollis Support in Eugene, Oregon
If you’re concerned about your baby’s head tilt or neck stiffness, don’t hesitate to reach out. Early treatment can make a significant difference in correcting torticollis and ensuring your baby meets their developmental milestones. I offer specialized occupational therapy services in Eugene, helping families with infants who need assistance with torticollis, plagiocephaly, holistic infant feeding therapy, and other motor development concerns.
Contact me today to schedule an evaluation and start your baby’s path to improved neck movement and milestone achievement!
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