Infant Torticollis and Plagiocephaly
What is Infant Torticollis and Plagiocephaly?
Torticollis is when your baby’s head starts tilting to one side or if they prefer to look one direction. Infant torticollis is usually diagnosed as being caused by tightened muscles on one side of the neck, which leaves your baby’s head at a tilt or rotation.
We assess and treat infants 0–18 months of age, as early intervention often leads to faster and easier correction.
Torticollis in infants can be common —some studies report that it affects 3 in every 100 babies. Fortunately, in most cases infant torticollis is easily treatable.
Plagiocephaly, or ‘flat head’ syndrome, occurs when a flat spot develops on the back or side of a baby’s head. This can cause a baby’s head to look asymmetrical. This can often be treated with therapy and educating parents on how they can help their baby.
Service Provided by:
Annika Gerl
MPT, BScKin
What happens in the appointment?
The assessment takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour and includes a history-taking, a physical assessment. Annika will implement appropriate stretches and demonstrate the various positions that will best benefit your child’s specific needs.
Annika will provide opportunities for you to practice these stretches so you can feel rest assured that you are providing the best care for your child’s progress when you get home.
How long does treatment take?
Treatment length varies depending on your baby’s age and the severity of tightness or head shape changes.
When started early (especially under 6 months), improvement is often seen within a few weeks. Some babies may need several months of follow-up to fully resolve asymmetries.
We will provide a personalized plan after your baby’s assessment and adjust it as they progress.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I know if my baby has torticollis or plagiocephaly?
If your baby tilts their head or appears to have a flat spot, you should bring them in. One can make a big difference in the shape of a baby’s head and the tightness in their neck in the first year.
Will infant torticollis resolve in its own?
Infant torticollis can resolve on its own but knowing what positions and stretches to do can help resolve it quicker.
What causes infant torticollis and plagiocephaly?
Tightness in one or more of the neck muscles can cause torticollis which makes the baby favour a certain head position which can cause plagiocephaly.
Does my baby need a helmet?
Most babies with plagiocephaly do not require a helmet. In many cases, head shape improves with repositioning strategies and treatment for torticollis, if present.
Helmet therapy may be considered in moderate to severe cases, particularly if progress is limited with conservative management. During your assessment, we will evaluate your baby’s head shape and neck movement and discuss whether further medical evaluation is recommended.
CONTACT & HOURS
Phone: 306-343-7776
Fax: 306-343-7780
Monday to Friday: 9am-6pm
Locally Owned & Operated