Torticollis and Plagiocephaly: How Physiotherapy Can Help Your Baby Thrive
At Abbotsford Sports & Orthopaedic Physiotherapy, we understand that your baby’s health and well-being are your top priorities. If your little one has been diagnosed with torticollis or plagiocephaly, you might have many questions about what these conditions mean, how they affect your child, and how physiotherapy can help. We’re here to provide clarity and support!
Both torticollis and plagiocephaly are common conditions that affect babies in their early development. With the right physiotherapy intervention, however, these conditions can be managed effectively to ensure your baby grows strong, healthy, and happy.
What is Torticollis?
Torticollis is a condition where a baby’s neck muscles become tight, causing their head to tilt to one side. This can lead to limited movement in the neck, which may make it difficult for your baby to turn their head or look to one side. Torticollis can also lead to a noticeable head tilt, which may concern parents, but don’t worry—physiotherapy is here to help!
What is Plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly is a condition where a baby’s skull develops flat spots, usually at the back or sides of the head. This often happens when a baby spends too much time lying in one position. The most common cause of plagiocephaly is positional—when babies lie on their backs for extended periods, especially during sleep, it can lead to pressure on one part of their skull.
Torticollis and plagiocephaly are often linked. Babies with torticollis may tend to turn their heads to one side more often, which can result in flat spots on that side of the head. It’s important to address both conditions together to ensure the best outcomes for your child.
How Physiotherapy Helps Torticollis and Plagiocephaly
The good news is that physiotherapy can play a significant role in helping babies recover from torticollis and plagiocephaly, promoting healthy development and growth.
1. Treating Torticollis with Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapists work with parents and babies using gentle and targeted exercises to improve neck movement and muscle strength. These exercises are designed to:
- Stretch tight neck muscles and promote better movement.
- Encourage better head and neck positioning by teaching your baby to turn their head in both directions.
- Help with the development of stronger muscles on the side of the neck that may be weaker or underused.
- Prevent future complications, such as poor posture or restricted movement.
The physiotherapy treatment for torticollis is typically hands-on, involving gentle stretches and movements that help restore your baby’s ability to move their head freely. Parents are also shown simple techniques to help encourage better head and neck positioning during everyday activities like feeding, holding, and playtime.
2. Addressing Plagiocephaly with Physiotherapy
If your baby has plagiocephaly, physiotherapy can help by guiding you on proper positioning techniques to prevent further pressure on flat spots. Physiotherapists also:
- Recommend exercises and activities to encourage head turning and movement in all directions.
- Provide positioning strategies for both daytime and sleeping hours to avoid prolonged pressure on one side of the head.
- Guide you on safe tummy time, which is essential for skull development and helping to reduce flat spots.
- In some cases, if your baby’s condition is severe, we may recommend a referral to a specialist for a helmet or other interventions.
Tummy Time is particularly important for babies with plagiocephaly. It helps relieve pressure on the flat spots and promotes healthy skull development. Our physiotherapists will teach you how to incorporate tummy time into your baby’s daily routine in a way that’s fun and safe.
Tummy Time: A Key Exercise for Healthy Head Development
Tummy time is one of the most important exercises to promote healthy head shape and motor development in babies. It helps strengthen the neck, shoulder, and arm muscles, which are crucial for crawling, sitting, and later developmental milestones.
- Start Early: Begin tummy time as soon as your baby is home from the hospital. Start with short periods of time (around 3-5 minutes) and gradually increase the duration as your baby gets stronger.
- Make It Fun: Place your baby on their tummy while they’re awake and supervised. You can make tummy time enjoyable by placing a mirror or toy in front of them to encourage them to lift their head and look around.
- Gradual Increase: As your baby’s muscles get stronger, increase tummy time to 20-30 minutes a day (split into shorter sessions if needed).
- Change Up the Positions: Tummy time doesn’t always have to be on the floor! You can start by having tummy time on your chest, where your baby is upright and can look at you. Or, use a carrier or wrap for an upright tummy time alternative that’s gentle on your baby’s neck while still giving them the benefits of movement and head control.
- Incorporate It into Daily Life: You can do tummy time in various positions, such as over your lap or even while your baby is held in a supported position. The key is to vary the position to help your baby strengthen different muscles and promote head movement.
Parent Education is essential, and we’ll guide you on how to incorporate tummy time into your baby’s day-to-day life safely and effectively. Our physiotherapists will provide you with the right techniques to maximize the benefits of tummy time while ensuring your baby’s comfort.
When Should You Seek Physiotherapy for Torticollis or Plagiocephaly?
Early intervention is key to helping your baby recover from torticollis and plagiocephaly. If you notice any of the following signs, it’s important to consult with a physiotherapist as soon as possible:
- Your baby’s head is tilted to one side, and they have difficulty turning their head to both sides.
- You notice a flat spot forming on your baby’s head, especially on one side.
- Your baby seems to prefer turning their head in one direction consistently or is always resting on one side of their head.
- You are concerned about your baby’s development or their ability to reach motor milestones.
The earlier you address these issues, the better the outcome will be. Physiotherapy can make a significant difference in helping your baby recover and grow with strong muscles, healthy movement, and a balanced head shape.
Why Choose Abbotsford Sports & Orthopaedic Physiotherapy?
At Abbotsford Sports & Orthopaedic Physiotherapy, we understand that every baby is unique, and we take a personalized approach to treatment. Our physiotherapists are experienced in working with babies and children, providing gentle and effective care in a nurturing environment. We’ll guide you through every step of the process, empowering you to help your baby thrive and reach their developmental milestones.
We take the time to educate parents on the best techniques, provide easy-to-follow exercises like tummy time, and ensure that treatment plans are tailored to your baby’s specific needs.
Get Started on Your Baby’s Path to Healthy Movement Today!
If you’re concerned about your baby’s neck mobility or head shape, don’t wait to seek help. Early intervention with physiotherapy can make a world of difference in your child’s development.