Early Screening and Physical Therapy Referrals for Infants with Torticollis
Calling all pre/post-natal providers and expecting parents! Recent updates to evidence-based practice guidelines confirm what pediatric physical therapists have long understood: early screening and referral to physical therapy can greatly improve outcomes for infants with torticollis. Research now shows that early intervention should ideally begin within the first 2-3 days of life to set babies up for the best possible start.
Torticollis, a condition where an infant’s neck muscles become tight or shortened on one side, causing the head to tilt and/or rotate to one side. Left untreated, torticollis can lead to secondary complications such as delayed developmental milestones, feeding difficulties, visual tracking issues and cranial asymmetry, and head flattening.
Early physical therapy intervention helps prevent these issues, enabling infants to reach milestones more comfortably and achieve symmetrical movement patterns as they grow.
No surprise to pediatric physical therapists, research is now showing that ALL babies should be screened at birth for signs of torticollis. Some of the most important things to look for are craniofacial asymmetries, asymmetry in body alignment and restricted range of neck motion.
Certain babies, such as multiples or first-born, are at higher risk for torticollis. It can also be more common in babies who had birth trauma.
There are numerous benefits to early referral to a pediatric physical therapist, including reducing the duration of treatment, saving parents time and money in the long-term, and babies who will experience greater comfort, achieve motor milestones on time, and benefit from proper alignment and symmetry as they grow.
Once referred, a pediatric physical therapist performs a comprehensive assessment of the infant’s head, neck, and body alignment. Treatment for torticollis at Progress Through Play includes gentle manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release, therapeutic tummy time and positioning, and specific strengthening exercises parents can practice at home to promote symmetry and mobility.
If you’re an expecting parent or a prenatal/postnatal provider, be proactive in discussing the importance of early screening for torticollis with your care team. Early referral to a pediatric physical therapist not only supports babies in achieving optimal development but also provides families with peace of mind, knowing that they are supporting their little one’s growth in the best way possible.
