Torticollis
Torticollis in Babies and Children:
Causes, Symptoms & Effective Treatment
Helping your child move freely, comfortably, and confidently. If your baby seems to tilt their head to one side or struggles to turn it evenly, they may have torticollis a common but treatable condition that affects neck movement and muscle balance. At Denise Long OT I specialize in gentle, evidence-based therapies that help infants and children overcome torticollis and reach their full developmental potential.
What Is Torticollis?
Torticollis (also called “wry neck”) occurs when a child’s neck muscles are tight or imbalanced, causing the head to tilt or rotate to one side.
There are two main types:
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Congenital Muscular Torticollis – Present at birth, often due to the baby’s position in the womb or a tight sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle.
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Acquired Torticollis – Develops later due to muscle strain, poor posture, or injury.
Without treatment, torticollis can lead to flat head syndrome (plagiocephaly), delayed motor milestones, and asymmetry in facial or body development.
Common Signs & Symptoms of Torticollis
Parents often notice:
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Head consistently tilted to one side
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Preference to look in one direction
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Difficulty turning the head evenly during tummy time or feeding
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Flat spot on one side of the head
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Uneven shoulder height or facial asymmetry
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Fussiness during diaper changes or positioning
If you notice these signs, early intervention can make a major difference — especially in babies under 6 months old.
How Pediatric Occupational Therapy Helps
Our torticollis treatment program focuses on restoring symmetry, mobility, and comfort through gentle, play-based therapy. Each plan is customized to your child’s age and needs, and may include:
1. Gentle Stretching & Range-of-Motion Exercises
Targeted stretches release tight muscles and promote balanced movement in the neck and shoulders.
2. Positioning Techniques
We teach parents optimal ways to hold, feed, and position their child to encourage natural head turning and alignment.
3. Tummy Time & Strengthening
Therapeutic play builds neck, shoulder, and core strength — critical for rolling, sitting, and crawling milestones.
4. Environmental & Equipment Adjustments
Guidance on car seats, sleep positioning, and play setups helps reinforce progress at home.
5. Parent Coaching
You’ll learn daily routines and exercises to continue progress outside the clinic. Empowered parents see the fastest results.
When to Seek Help
Early detection is key. If your baby is under 1 year old and showing signs of torticollis, occupational therapy can often resolve the issue completely within a few months. Older children can also benefit from therapy to improve posture, coordination, and comfort.
We often collaborate with pediatricians, physical therapists, and cranial specialists to ensure a holistic approach to care.
Why Choose Denise Long
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Licensed pediatric occupational therapists experienced in torticollis and developmental delays
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Play-based, family-centered approach for better engagement and lasting results
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Convenient in-person and telehealth sessions available
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Located in Manhattan and the Upper West Side
Schedule a Torticollis Evaluation Today
Early treatment can make all the difference in your child’s comfort and development.
Contact Denise to schedule your pediatric torticollis evaluation today.
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pediatric OT Upper West Side / NY
Denise Long, BS, MS, OTR/L > National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1508001454
Phone: 516-819-8122 (Click to Call)
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 8:00 pm