Torticollis

Restoring Hope and Freedom

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

Mary Free Bed Kids torticollis patient shown playing with a toy

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.

A caregiver gently kisses a young infant in a blue striped outfit inside a colorful pediatric rehabilitation facility

Smiling infant resting on a red therapy ball during a pediatric physical therapy session at Mary Free Bed

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.

Infant doing tummy time on a support pillow during pediatric therapy session with a colorful toy nearby

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.

A pediatric therapist in black scrubs bottle-feeds an infant in a striped onesie during a rehabilitation session at Mary Free Bed

Comprehensive Services

Our teams prioritize evidence-based practice. We’ve structured our program to follow the Congenital Muscular Torticollis Clinical Practice Guidelines published by the Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy. All therapists treating infants with torticollis have completed training and mentoring to ensure they’re providing high-quality support.

When infants present with significant developmental concerns, they can be seen in our Mary Free Bed Early Development Program, which is led by a board-certified pediatric physiatrist, for further assessment.

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.

Exterior shot of the Mary Free Bed Kids Hospital

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.

Mary Free Bed pediatric physical therapist supporting an infant on a therapy ball during a rehabilitation session

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.

Why Choose Mary Free Bed Kids

Families choose Mary Free Bed Kids because we provide:

Multidisciplinary pediatric expertise in torticollis and plagiocephaly
Early intervention and evidence-based therapy techniques
Seamless coordination between therapy and orthotics
Personalized family education and home programming
A warm, child-centered environment designed to encourage play and learning

Our mission is to help every child move freely, grow strong and thrive through compassionate, specialized care.