Torticollis
Torticollis is a neck problem in babies which causes them to have asymmetry in the neck tone, tightness, and causes the babies to tilt their head to one side. The most common type of torticollis is called congenital muscular torticollis. There is a shortening of sternocleidomastoid, SCM, and sometimes involves the nuchal ligaments at the back of the head to shorten.
When that happens, the baby may develop asymmetry in the face, cranium, or the occiput. Due to Sudden Infant Death syndrome (SIDS), doctors recommend the babies to lie on their back. However, Torticollis causes babies to be weak in their neck and their ATNR reflex which keeps the baby’s head in one place. Torticollis also causes feeding problems when babies want to be fed from only one side and movement of the head becomes difficult. Torticollis may also cause a flat head which is called “positional plagiocephaly.” Feel free to contact our highly trained physical therapist at Hilltop Physical Therapy.
Aside from torticollis, we treat children from birth to 18 years old, and older. We treat toe walking, feet problems, neck, shoulder, and back pain. We even treat kids who urinate in their beds at nights and other leakage/bladder issues. We can help correct scoliosis using various manual therapy skills as well as postural training, core training, and single leg balances for gait training. Any children injured during sports, fractures, falls, any unexplained pain, weak posture, balance issues, weak ankles, hip pain, or back pain can come to Hilltop and expect great recovery. Our trained physical therapists are dedicated toward helping you achieve a pain-free life.
Comprehensive Treatment
An early detection means a faster recovery. Before three months, the recovery rate is 80% faster. The longer you wait, the more it becomes a permanent problem. Beyond nine months, Torticollis is very difficult to treat due to the infant’s preferences being already set. Babies tend to act defensive and refuse to be stretched.
- Education to Parents and Caregivers
- Developmental Stages and Exercises
- Cranial Tech ( On-site in the Fredericksburg office)
- Core Training
- Posture Training
Contact our offices in Fredericksburg today
If your child is experiencing painful, incorrect positioning of the head or neck, contact Hilltop Physical Therapy today to schedule an evaluation. Our physical therapist can evaluate you or your little one and provide you with a customized treatment plan designed to treat their torticollis, leaving them pain-free and moving well.
