Torticollis

Helping babies move, grow and thrive through expert, family-centered care.

Understanding Torticollis and Plagiocephaly

At Mary Free Bed Kids, we specialize in treating infants with torticollis and deformational plagiocephaly, two conditions that often occur together.

Torticollis involves tightness or shortening of the neck muscle that helps your baby turn one direction and tilt their head the opposite direction.
Deformational plagiocephaly is the flattening or misshaping of an infant’s skull caused by external pressure or positioning.

Our goal is to help babies move comfortably, develop strong and symmetrical muscles and achieve key motor milestones through early, evidence-based intervention.

What is torticollis?

Torticollis is caused by tightening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which runs from behind the ear to the front of the neck. This tightness can make it difficult for a baby to turn their head evenly or maintain balance.

Causes of Torticollis Include:

Consistent sleep or play positions
Limited movement in the womb (common in large newborns or multiple pregnancies)
Congenital muscular torticollis (present at birth) • Maternal anatomy or birth trauma
Orthopedic or muscle imbalance

When left untreated, torticollis can lead to delayed motor development, head flattening and asymmetrical posture—which is why early treatment makes a lasting difference.

What is deformational plagiocephaly?

Deformational plagiocephaly refers to an asymmetrical or flattened head shape caused by consistent pressure on one part of the skull. This can appear at birth or within the first few months of life.

Common Signs Include:

Flattening on one side or the back of the head
Misalignment of ears (one appearing more forward)
Asymmetry of the eyes, nose or jaw
A more prominent forehead on one side
A wider or narrower head shape

Our Pediatric Team performs detailed assessments to confirm a diagnosis and provide personalized treatment. Depending on your baby’s needs, care may include repositioning, therapeutic stretching, or a cranial remolding orthosis (helmet therapy) through Mary Free Bed Orthotics, Prosthetics + Bionics.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Addressing torticollis and plagiocephaly early helps prevent long-term challenges such as:

Gross motor delays
Vision or tracking problems
Facial and jaw asymmetry
Postural imbalances

Our specialists will guide you through at-home positioning, tummy-time strategies and therapeutic exercises designed to help strengthen muscles, promote symmetry and encourage natural movement patterns.

Comprehensive Services

Physical Therapy

Our pediatric physical therapists assess and improve your baby’s:

Neck range of motion
Shoulder and trunk control
Symmetry of movement
Gross motor milestones

Through gentle stretching, strengthening and developmental play, therapy helps restore balance and promote healthy motion on both sides of the body.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists focus on fine motor control, visual tracking and postural alignment. They also assess your baby’s upper-body development and teach positioning techniques to promote coordination and strength during play and daily routines.

Coordination with Orthotics

For infants who require additional support, our orthotists at Mary Free Bed Orthotics, Prosthetics + Bionics collaborate with therapists to create:

Cranial remolding helmets for head-shape correction
Neck collars or positioning aids to assist in retraining movement and symmetry

This team approach ensures consistent, effective care from evaluation to treatment completion.

Family and Caregiver Education

We know that family involvement is essential to success. Our therapists provide hands-on instruction so you can confidently support your baby’s therapy at home. You’ll learn:

Safe repositioning and tummy-time routines
Stretching and strengthening techniques
Play-based activities to encourage movement and balance

Our care doesn’t stop in the clinic—we’ll equip you with the tools to continue progress between visits.

Your Care Team

Every child’s journey is guided by compassionate, experienced pediatric specialists. Your child’s care team may include:

Pediatric physical therapists specializing in motor development, symmetry and early intervention for torticollis and plagiocephaly
Pediatric physical therapists with advanced training in infant development and motor control
Certified orthotists and prosthetists for cranial remolding therapy
Pediatric physiatrists (rehabilitation physicians) overseeing your child’s care plan

Together, our team provides coordinated, family-centered support for your baby’s growth and mobility.