Torticollis

Gentle, Effective Therapy to Help Your Baby Move Freely

If your baby’s head is consistently tilted to one side or they have difficulty turning their head, they may have torticollis. At Twin Hearts Physical Therapy, we specialize in pediatric torticollis treatment, helping infants improve neck mobility, posture, and muscle strength through gentle, effective therapy.

What Is Torticollis?

Torticollis, also known as wry neck, occurs when the muscles in a baby’s neck become tight or shortened, causing the head to tilt or turn in one direction. This can happen due to positioning in the womb, birth trauma, or prolonged time spent in the same position after birth.

Common signs of torticollis include:

  • Head tilt to one side

  • Limited neck movement (baby has trouble turning their head)

  • Preference for looking in one direction

  • Flat spot on the head (plagiocephaly) due to uneven pressure

  • Difficulty nursing on one side

How Torticollis Affects Your Baby’s Development

If left untreated, torticollis can impact your baby’s motor skills and overall development. Babies with untreated torticollis may experience:

  • Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) – Uneven head shape due to restricted movement

  • Delayed milestones – Difficulty with rolling, crawling, and walking

  • Poor posture – Increased risk of muscle imbalances and asymmetry as they grow

  • Jaw and vision issues – Prolonged head tilt may affect jaw alignment and visual tracking

Early intervention with physical therapy can completely resolve torticollis and help your baby develop strong, symmetrical movement patterns!

Signs Your Baby May Need Physical Therapy for Torticollis

If you notice any of the following symptoms, it’s a good idea to schedule an evaluation:

  • Persistent head tilt – Baby always tilts their head to one side

  • Limited head movement – Difficulty turning their head both ways

  • Flat spot on the head – Baby favors one side when lying down

  • Struggles with tummy time – Weak neck muscles make it hard to lift the head

  • Fussy during feeding – Difficulty latching or turning head while nursing/bottle feeding

Torticollis Treatment at Twin Hearts Physical Therapy

At Twin Hearts Physical Therapy, we create customized treatment plans designed to assess the whole body while gently stretchings and strengthening your baby’s neck muscles. Our goal is to improve range of motion, posture, and overall movement.

Our Approach to Torticollis Therapy

  • Gentle stretching exercises to release tight neck and trunk muscles

  • Strength-building techniques to encourage balanced movement

  • Tummy time guidance to help strengthen the neck and shoulders

  • Parent education on at-home exercises and positioning techniques

  • Hands-on therapy to guide the head into a neutral, flexible position

By incorporating fun, engaging techniques, we make therapy enjoyable for your baby while ensuring lasting results.

Why Choose Twin Hearts Physical Therapy for Torticollis Treatment?

Pediatric Therapy Experts – We specialize in infant and toddler physical therapy

  • Gentle, Baby-Friendly Techniques – No pain, just effective, comforting therapy

  • Parent Involvement – We teach you how to help your baby at home

  • Convenient Location – Serving Glenpool, Tulsa, Bixby, Jenks, Mounds, Okmulgee, and surrounding areas

  • Proven Success – Helping babies achieve strong, pain-free movement every day!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Torticollis Physical Therapy

  • With early intervention and consistent therapy, most babies show significant improvement in 6–12 weeks.

  • Some mild cases may improve over time, but physical therapy speeds up the process  or correction and helps prevent future complications.

  • The earlier, the better! Treatment is most effective when started before 3–6 months.

  • Untreated torticollis can lead to poor posture, muscle imbalances, and delays in motor development.

Book a Consultation for Torticollis Treatment Today!

Don’t wait to help your baby feel more comfortable and move freely! Early treatment leads to faster recovery. Be sure to talk with your pediatrician about prompt referral for treatment.