Shop 3/359 Illawarra Road, Marrickville, NSW 2204

Understanding Infant Torticollis: Causes, Symptoms and Effective Treatments

Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Infant torticollis, also known as congenital muscular torticollis, is a condition where an infant's neck muscles cause the head to tilt to one side. Early detection and intervention are crucial to ensure effective treatment and minimise potential complications.

Torticollis Causes

Torticollis is caused by a problem in the neck muscles, leading to an asymmetrical head or neck position. It can be due to several factors, including:

  • Intrauterine Positioning: Sometimes, the baby's position in the womb can lead to tight neck muscles.
  • Birth Trauma: Difficult or assisted deliveries can sometimes result in muscle injuries.
  • Muscular Abnormalities: Some infants are born with tight neck muscles, causing the condition.
  • Spasmodic Muscle Spasms: Sudden muscle spasms in the neck.
  • Reactions to Certain Medications: Some drugs can cause torticollis as a side effect.
  • Infections or Inflammation: Infections in the neck or nearby areas can cause torticollis.

Torticollis Symptoms


  • Head Tilt: The infant's head consistently tilts to one side.
  • Limited Neck Mobility: Difficulty in turning the head fully from side to side.
  • Flattened Head: Positional plagiocephaly, or a flat spot on one side of the head, due to consistent positioning.
  • Baby’s prefers to look to one side, and has difficulty or avoids turning head in the opposite direction.

Torticollis Treatment

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in treating infant torticollis. At Physio Inq Marrickville, we offer high-quality care for this condition.

Stretching Exercises:
Gentle, passive stretching exercises to improve neck flexibility.

Positioning Techniques:

Positioning techniques to encourage movement to the non-preferred side.

Strengthening Exercises:

Exercises aimed at strengthening the neck muscles.
Encouraging tummy time to build overall muscle strength.

Parental Education:

  • Teaching parents how to perform exercises at home.
  • Guidance on how to position the infant to promote symmetry.
  • Monitoring and Progress Tracking:
  • Regular follow-ups to monitor progress.
  • Adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

Does Tummy Time Help Torticollis?

Yes, tummy time is beneficial for babies with torticollis. It helps strengthen neck muscles and encourages the baby to turn their head in different directions, which can aid in improving neck mobility and reducing the tightness of the affected muscle.

Why Choose Physio Inq Marrickville?

At Physio Inq Marrickville, our experienced physiotherapists are dedicated to providing the highest quality of care. We understand the importance of early intervention and personalised treatment plans to ensure the best outcomes for your child. Our compassionate approach ensures that both parents and infants feel supported throughout the treatment process.

You can get in touch with our friendly team via: 

Physio Inq Written on behalf of Physio Inq Marrickville

Share the article