What is Torticollis ?!
What is Torticollis ?!
Torticollis is a Pediatric condition in which tightness in the muscles of the neck cause the head to tilt to one side
How do you recognize it?
Your child’s head will tilt toward the tight side and rotate towards the opposite side, making it difficult for your child to turn their neck
The head tilt will be most noticeable when your child is lying on their back or in a sitting position
Why Physical Therapy is required
Dr. Kyle Herrick is a pediatric physical therapist who is specialized to treat conditions that are associated with birth or shortly after during the first year of life
Torticollis is treated through play !
At Herrick PT we will come up with customized plan that is both child and family centered that delivers hands on Parent/Caregiver training and instruction
Torticollis is HIGHLY treatable, there is an excellent prognosis when diagnosed/treated early
Pediatric Physical Therapy for Torticollis consists of stretching, corrective positioning, parent education and training, hands on neurodevelopmental techniques to help alleviate Torticollis and help your child achieve gross motor milestones
With proper treatment Torticollis can obsolve in three to six months
Ways Torticollis can develop
Umbilical cord shortening, a decrease in amniotic fluid, fetal malpositioning
Not switching sides when breastfeeding or bottle feeding
Not rotating baby in the bassinet/crib during sleep
Poor head positioning during car travel
Poor positioning and unequal opportunity for your child to turn their neck to each side can create tightness and a directional preference
Once your child has a preference to turning their neck to one side, it becomes difficult to change that pattern
Long term complications if left untreated
Can cause facial asymmetry and scoliosis
Can alter your child’s vestibular sensory system
Better prognosis if treatment starts early (< 1 year old)
Your child will tolerate physical therapy intervention much easier starting as soon as possible