Services · Therapediatrics · Physical therapy
Treatment for infant torticollis
If your baby always tilts their head to one side, prefers to look one way, or has a flat spot developing, pediatric physical therapy can correct it, and early is easiest.
Touchstone Therapy Center treats infant torticollis in Vernon Hills, IL with pediatric physical therapy, including gentle stretching, positioning, strengthening and guidance for parents.
Who it’s for
Infants and young toddlers
Approach
Stretching and positioning
Where
In the clinic, Vernon Hills
First step
A PT evaluation
About torticollis
A tight neck muscle, and what it leads to
Torticollis means a tightened muscle on one side of the neck, usually the sternocleidomastoid. It tilts the head toward one shoulder and turns the chin the other way. It is often present from birth or shows up in the first weeks, and it is one of the most common reasons infants are referred to physical therapy.
Because the baby prefers one position, a flat spot on the skull, called plagiocephaly, often develops on the same side. Treating the neck early prevents the flat spot from worsening and keeps motor development on track.
Treatment is gentle. Our therapists show you stretches and positioning you can do during feeding, play and sleep, and use play to encourage your baby to turn and look the other way.
When to reach out
Signs to have it checked
- Head tilts to one side most of the time
- Prefers looking in one direction
- A flat spot on one side of the head
- Trouble turning to feed on one side
- Not tolerating tummy time by four months
- Rolls in only one direction
How we help
What treatment looks like
Gentle stretching
Lengthening the tight muscle a little at a time, in ways your baby tolerates.
Strengthening
Building the muscles on the other side so the head sits centered.
Positioning and tummy time
How to hold, feed, carry and play with your baby so the correction continues all day.
Parent coaching
Most of the work happens at home. We teach you what to do and check progress at each visit.
FAQ
Torticollis questions
Your care team
Meet our physical therapists
Get started
Ready to get started?
Touchstone Therapy Center is here to help. Fill out this form to schedule an appointment, or call (847) 996-6666 and our care coordinator will call you back.
Call (847) 996-6666
Hours Mon–Thu 8:30–7 · Fri 8:30–5 · Sat 9–1
Request a call back
"*" indicates required fields