If you've noticed your baby almost always turns their head to one side, tilts it, or struggles to look the other way, you may be seeing torticollis. It's one of the most common reasons babies are referred to physical therapy — and the reassuring news is that, caught early, it responds very well.
What is torticollis?
Torticollis (sometimes called “wry neck”) is tightness or shortening of one of the muscles along the side of the neck, which makes a baby tilt their head toward one shoulder and turn it toward the other. It's often present from the early weeks, frequently linked to positioning in the womb or after birth.
Signs of torticollis
- Baby consistently tilts the head to one side, or turns it mostly one way.
- Difficulty or fussiness turning the head to the other side.
- A strong preference to feed or look in one direction.
- A flat spot developing on one side of the head (see plagiocephaly).
- Sometimes a small soft lump in the neck muscle.
Why early treatment matters
The earlier torticollis is addressed, the faster and more completely it tends to resolve, because babies' muscles are so adaptable. Left unaddressed, it can affect head shape, feeding, and the development of motor skills like rolling and sitting. That's why pediatricians refer to physical therapy promptly.
Always have a pediatrician examine your baby's neck and head shape — they'll rule out other causes and refer to physical therapy. This guide is a starting point, not a diagnosis.
Noticing a head-turn preference? Early physical therapy makes a real difference.
How physical therapy helps
A pediatric physical therapist uses gentle stretching, strengthening, positioning, and play-based exercises to restore full, even neck movement — and coaches you on simple things to do at home (tummy time, repositioning, how to encourage looking both ways). Physical therapy is a new service at Midsouth Therapy Group, and we're accepting new referrals. A referral from your child's primary care provider is required (faxed to 901-589-9001).