Congenital Torticollis

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Specialised Management

Congenital torticollis is a tight neck muscle that makes a baby hold their head tilted or turned to one side. Caught early, gentle physiotherapy usually resolves it well.

Talk to me about your baby's neck

The basics

What is infant torticollis?

Torticollis is tightness or shortening of one of the neck muscles, usually the one running down the side of the neck. It makes a baby tilt their head towards one shoulder and turn their chin to the opposite side, and they often prefer looking one way.

It is common and, treated early, generally resolves well. Gentle stretching, positioning, and play-based activities encourage the neck to move freely again. Just as important, I coach parents so the helpful activities continue at home.

What to notice

Signs parents may notice

  • Head tilted towards one shoulder
  • A strong preference for turning the head one way
  • Difficulty turning the head to the other side
  • A flat spot developing on one side of the head
  • Feeding more easily on one side
Why it happens

Why it happens

  • Tightness of a neck muscle, often from position in the womb
  • A difficult or assisted birth
  • A strong habitual head-turn preference
  • Sometimes no clear single cause
The treatment

How physiotherapy helps

Everything is gentle and led by your baby's comfort. I combine soft stretching and positioning with play that encourages your baby to turn both ways, and I show you how to continue at home.

Gentle stretching

Soft, guided movement to ease the tight neck muscle.

Positioning and play

Encouraging your baby to turn and look towards the stiffer side.

Tummy time

Guided tummy time to build neck strength and control.

Parent coaching

Simple daily activities so progress continues at home.

What to expect

Your recovery journey

Treatment moves through clear stages. I set the pace to suit you, but the path usually looks like this.

01

Assessment

A gentle check of your baby's neck movement and posture.

02

Plan together

I agree gentle goals and what to focus on first.

03

Guided activities

Stretching, positioning, and play, with techniques for home.

04

Review

Regular check-ins to track progress and adjust.

In your sessions

What sessions look like

  • Gentle guided neck stretches
  • Positioning to encourage turning both ways
  • Tummy time and head-control play
  • Feeding and carrying positions that help

Keep your paediatrician involved

Always keep your paediatrician involved. Seek prompt advice if the head shape is changing noticeably, if movement is not improving, if there is facial asymmetry, or if your baby seems unwell or is feeding poorly.

Good to know

Questions I hear a lot

Will my baby's neck get better?
Most babies do very well, especially when treatment starts early and the home activities are done regularly. I will guide you through all of it.
Is the stretching painful for my baby?
It is gentle and led by your baby's comfort. Nothing is forced, and I show you exactly how much to do.
How early should I start?
The earlier the better, as young babies respond well. I work closely with your paediatrician on the right approach.

Let's get you moving again

Book an assessment with me and I'll build a plan around your body, your goals, and your day-to-day life.

Call +91 87997 18841
This article is general information and is not a substitute for a personal assessment. Everyone is different, so please speak to a qualified physiotherapist or doctor for advice on your own situation.