Torticollis Treatment for Babies in Melbourne

Does your baby always look to one side? Have you noticed a head tilt or a developing flat spot?

It could be torticollis — a very common condition that responds well to early physiotherapy.

What is Torticollis?

Torticollis is a condition where a baby’s neck muscles are tight or shortened on one side, causing their head to tilt to one side and turn to the opposite side. This can make it difficult for baby to move their head freely in both directions. 

Torticollis is often caused by positioning in the womb or after birth and may be associated with a preference to look one way. Over time, this can lead to flattening of the head (such as brachycephaly or plagiocephaly) if not addressed. 

Babies with torticollis may have reduced neck movement, a head tilt, or difficulty with tummy time and feeding on one side. Early identification is important to support normal movement and development.

Signs your baby may have torticollis

Common signs include:

  • Always looking one direction

  • Difficulty turning their head

  • Head tilted to one side

  • A flat spot developing on their head

  • Prefers breastfeeding on one side

  • Dislikes tummy time

  • Rolling more easily one direction

  • One shoulder appears higher

How can we help?

Our physiotherapists will assess your baby’s neck movement, muscle tightness, and head position to diagnose torticollis in our Melbourne clinic. 

Physiotherapy for torticollis includes gentle stretching exercises, strengthening activities, and education on positioning and handling techniques, and gross motor activities and exercises.

When treated early, torticollis often improves quickly with physiotherapy and simple home exercises. Left untreated, it can contribute to flat head shape, delayed motor development and ongoing movement preferences.

Book a baby physio assessment here

FAQ’S

  • The sooner the better! We can see babies from a few weeks of age, right up until 10-12 months, however treatment options may be limited by this point.

    • Ask parents lots of questions about the mother’s pregnancy, the baby’s birth and their development until now.

    • Measure the baby’s head circumference.

    • Check the rest of the body for other asymmetries/concerns which may be associated with the neck tightness, including the head shape, hips, trunk, spine and feet.

    • Provide parents with lots of education and strategies to correct the baby’s head shape. This may include gentle stretches, massage and positioning to improve flexibility.

    • This depends on the baby’s age at presentation to physiotherapy, how compliant parents are with the recommendations given and whether there are any associated asymmetries/concerns.