Torticollis in Babies — What It Is and How Physio Can Help

Have you noticed your baby tilting their head to one side or always looking in the same direction? Maybe there’s a small flat spot on one side of their head? These can be early signs of torticollis- a condition that’s fairly common in babies and responds really well to early physiotherapy intervention.

What is Torticollis

Torticollis occurs when one of the muscles in your baby’s neck — typically the sternocleidomastoid (SCM)- is tighter or shorter on one side. This can lead to:

• Your baby tilting or turning their head more to one side

• A reduced ability to turn their head the opposite way

• A small, soft lump in the neck (often harmless and related to muscle tightness)

What Causes Torticollis In Babies?

Torticollis is often linked to how a baby was positioned in the womb or during delivery. Common causes include:

• Limited space in the womb (such as in breech or twin pregnancies)

• A long time spent in one position before birth

• Prolonged pressure on one side of the head after birth

  
  

These factors can result in muscle imbalances in the neck and lead to a preference for turning one way.

Why Early Treatment Matters

If left untreated, torticollis can:

• Restrict your baby’s head and neck movement

• Lead to plagiocephaly (flat head on one side) or brachycephaly (flat back of the head)

• Delay motor milestones like rolling, crawling, sitting, walking, or coordination such as throw and catch

• Cause long-term movement limitations in the neck

  
  

The good news? With early paediatric physiotherapy intervention, the tight muscles can usually stretch and strengthen over time- often resolving completely.

What Does Physiotherapy for Torticollis Involve?

At COMO Therapy, our baby physiotherapy sessions are designed to be gentle and practical. Your baby’s program might include:

• Stretches to lengthen the tight SCM muscle

• Activities to strengthen the opposite side

• Play-based strategies that encourage full head movement

• Techniques to relieve pressure on flat spots

• Parent education for daily routines, positioning and play

What You Can Do at Home

Here are some simple things that can support your baby’s progress:

• Switch their cot position so they naturally turn their head the less-preferred way

• Alternate feeding and carrying sides to encourage head movement both ways

• Play from both sides using toys or sounds to catch their attention

• Prioritise tummy time to strengthen neck and upper body muscles

• If tummy time is tricky, we’ll help you find ways to make it easier and more enjoyable

Concerned About Your Baby’s Head Shape?

If your baby has a flat spot on the back or side of their head, they may also have plagiocephaly or brachycephaly. These head shape conditions are common in babies with torticollis and can often be improved with early support. These conditions don’t affect brain development — and with early intervention, there’s a good chance of improvement.

Learn more in our Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly (Misshapen Head) Factsheet.

Need Support or An Assessment?

If you’re unsure whether your baby’s head tilt, tight neck, or flat spot is something to act on, we’re happy to help.

At COMO Therapy, our paediatric physiotherapists support families across Canberra and surrounding NSW to identify and treat torticollis using gentle, play-based strategies- helping babies move more freely and comfortably.

Contact us to book an assessment or have a chat with a therapist.