Infant Torticollis; How physiotherapy can help your baby.

If you’ve noticed your baby prefers turning their head to one side or holds their head in a tilted position, they may have infant torticollis. This is a common condition in babies and, when treated early, responds very well to pediatric physiotherapy.

What Is Infant Torticollis?

Infant torticollis (also called congenital muscular torticollis) occurs when a neck muscle—most often the sternocleidomastoid (SCM)—becomes tight or shortened. This can cause the baby’s head to tilt to one side and rotate to the opposite side.

Torticollis may develop:
    •    During pregnancy due to positioning in the womb
    •    During or after birth
    •    From repeated positioning with the head turned the same way

It may be present at birth or appear within the first few weeks of life.

Signs and Symptoms of Torticollis in Babies

Common signs parents may notice include:
    •    A consistent head tilt or head-turning preference
    •    Limited neck range of motion
    •    Flattening on one side of the head (positional plagiocephaly)
    •    Fussiness during feeding or tummy time
    •    Asymmetrical movement or delayed motor milestones

Early assessment is important to support healthy growth and development.

How Physiotherapy Helps Infant Torticollis

Physiotherapy for infant torticollis is gentle, safe, and evidence-based. A pediatric physiotherapist will assess your baby’s neck mobility, posture, muscle balance, and overall development.

Treatment may include:
    •    Gentle neck stretching and range-of-motion exercises
    •    Positioning strategies to encourage symmetrical movement
    •    Strengthening through play and tummy time
    •    Parent education so therapy can continue at home

Treatment plans are always individualized and designed to be comfortable and engaging for your baby.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Early physiotherapy intervention leads to faster improvement and better outcomes. Most infants treated early experience full resolution and reach their motor milestones without long-term issues.

Physiotherapy can also help prevent:
    •    Ongoing head tilt
    •    Head shape asymmetry
    •    Delays in rolling, sitting, or crawling

When to See a Pediatric Physiotherapist

If you notice a head tilt, limited neck movement, or head shape changes—even if they seem minor—a physiotherapy assessment can provide reassurance and early guidance.

Gentle Support for Your Baby’s Development

At Radiant Physiotherapy, we support infants and families with compassionate, evidence-based care. Infant torticollis is a highly treatable condition, and early physiotherapy can help your baby move comfortably and confidently as they grow.

If you have concerns about your baby’s neck movement or posture, a pediatric physiotherapy assessment can be a helpful first step.