Pediatric Torticollis

Why is my baby always turning to the same side?

​If your infant has a tendency to always turn their head to one side, an experienced pediatric physiotherapist at Montreal's Active Solution Physiotherapy Verdun will develop a treatment plan specifically for your your child.

WHAT IS IT?

Torticollis is a condition describing a head tilt with rotation to one side, often caused by the tightening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM).

There are 3 types of torticollis:

Congenital

Congenital: occurs before birth, often related to positioning while in the womb, characterized by a ‘mass’ on the SCM

Acquired

occurs after birth, neck limitation present, no 'mass'

Postural

only occurs with positions, no neck limitation, no 'mass'

WHAT FACTORS AFFECT IT?

  1. Maternal uterine anomalies
  2. Large birth weight
  3. Breech position at birth
  4. Difficult labour and delivery
  5. Use of forceps/vacuum

HOW CAN PHYSIO HELP?

Early intervention is always the best. With your physiotherapist, you will learn about different positions that you can place your child in to prevent any asymmetries and further progression of the torticollis. Your physiotherapist will also provide you with a home exercise program that involves stretching and strengthening the neck muscles to restore and maintain neck movements.
 
 

Treatment Options

Song, Kit M MD, Staheli, Lynn T MD. (2007). Pediatric Orthopaedic Secrets, 3rd edition. Philadelphia: Elsevier Inc. Campbell, S. Vander Linden, D. Palisano, R. (2006). Physical Therapy for Children, 3rd edition. St. Louis: Elsevier Inc.

Campbell, S. Vander Linden, D. Palisano, R. (2006). Physical Therapy for Children, 3rd edition. St. Louis: Elsevier Inc.
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