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Torticollis in babies and children

Expert Physiotherapy to improve movement and head posture.
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Helping Your Child with Torticollis

Early support for better movement, strength, and comfort

Torticollis, sometimes called “wry neck,” occurs when tightness in a neck muscle causes a child’s head to tilt to one side and rotate to the other. It may be noticed shortly after birth (congenital muscular torticollis) or can develop later due to injury or muscle spasm. At PaedsPhysio, we provide expert physiotherapy to gently guide your child’s neck movement back towards a more natural position, helping them move more freely and comfortably as they grow.
WHAT IS TORTICOLLIS?

What is Torticollis?

Understanding tight neck muscles and posture

Understanding tight neck muscles and early posture concerns.

Torticollis describes a condition where tightness in the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle in the neck causes the head to adopt an asymmetrical posture. In congenital muscular torticollis, this tightness is present from birth and may be linked to the baby’s position in the womb or to birth-related factors. Occasionally, a small lump or swelling can be felt in the neck muscle, which usually resolves over time.
If untreated, torticollis can lead to delayed motor skills, muscle imbalance, and a preference for using one side of the body more than the other. At PaedsPhysio, our children’s physiotherapists use skilled assessment, guidance for parents, and a play-based approach to promote healthy neck movement, alignment, and motor development.
  • A persistent head tilt to one side.
  • Difficulty turning the head fully in both directions.
  • Preference for looking one way when lying or sitting.
  • Asymmetrical use of the hands or early one-sided dominance.
  • Flattening on one side of the head (positional plagiocephaly).
  • Challenges with rolling, sitting, or tummy time activities.
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How Physiotherapy Can Help Babies and Children with Torticollis.​

Timely physiotherapy can make a significant difference for babies with torticollis

Supporting natural movement through gentle therapy.

At PaedsPhysio, we guide families through a combination of stretching, positioning, and strengthening activities, all tailored to your baby’s individual needs. By encouraging active movement and muscle balance early on, we can help prevent longer-term difficulties with posture and motor skills.

Our physiotherapy approach includes: expand to list like ‘Children’s Physiotherapy following Brain Injury’ section in Acquired Brain Injury Physiotherapy – Paeds Physio

We always focus on keeping exercises relaxed, playful, and safe, ensuring your baby feels comfortable and secure. Most babies show good improvement within a few months when therapy is started early and followed consistently. If progress is slower than expected, or if additional concerns are identified, we work closely with orthopaedic specialists and can support onward referrals when needed.

  • Teaching parents’ gentle stretches to improve neck mobility.
  • Promoting tummy time to strengthen neck and back muscles.
  • Advising on feeding and carrying techniques to encourage movement to both sides.
  • Using toys and play activities to stimulate active neck rotation and reaching.
  • Advising on sleep positioning to naturally promote head turning to the non-preferred side.
  • Providing guidance on supporting overall motor development through daily routines.
SUPPORTING NATURAL MOVEMENT

Early help for a stronger start

At PaedsPhysio, we know how important early intervention can be. Our friendly, experienced team is here to help improve your child’s neck posture and muscle balance from the very beginning.