If you notice that your baby likes to only look one way or that they tilt their head to one side the majority of the time, they may have torticollis. All the pediatric physical therapists at Performance Physical Therapy love treating this condition and are ready to help your child improve their mobility and range of motion. Keep reading to learn the exercises that a pediatric physical therapist will suggest for children with torticollis.
What is Torticollis?
While there can be a few causes to torticollis, the most common is congenital muscular torticollis (CMT). This is caused by a shortening of one of the muscles in the neck that leads to this slightly tilted and twisted posture. Physical therapy is the primary treatment for torticollis as pediatric physical therapists are trained to facilitate stretching and strengthening to improve the symmetry of your child's muscular system. We are also able to assist in differentially diagnosing the torticollis if it is coming from another area, like your child's vision or their sensitive stomach.
If your child is less than six months old...
Sidelying Play
Why is side-lying one of our favorite positions? It's beneficial for your little one for so many reasons. They have to balance core recruitment in this position and can start to lift their head up against gravity. This is good for neck strengthening and rolling readiness.
Prone Prop