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Area of care: Children

Torticollis in babies

In short

Torticollis in babies is a tilt of the head present from birth or in the days after. It is often caused by a neck muscle that was damaged at birth or is shortened, which pulls the head to one side.

  • Areas concerned: Neck
  • Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

Neck

Common signs

  • Head tilted to one side, chin turned towards the other side
  • Baby who almost always turns their head to the same side when lying down
  • Small lump in the muscle on the side of the neck
  • Back or side of the skull becoming flat
  • Face or skull slightly asymmetrical

When to see a doctor

  • Torticollis that appears suddenly, from one day to the next
  • Torticollis noticed for the first time after the age of 6 months

What physiotherapy does

Treatment is based first on neck stretches and exercises to help the baby turn their head. After an assessment, the physiotherapist shows the parents the stretches to repeat at home and explains how to position the child and arrange their surroundings so that they turn their head towards the difficult side. The physiotherapist also encourages time spent on the tummy, which helps the baby hold their head better and takes pressure off the back of the skull. Finally, the physiotherapist follows how the child’s motor skills develop.

Techniques used at the practice

Active movements of the neck and trunk, symmetrical activities, adjustments to the surroundings; gentle passive stretches if a limitation justifies them.

Education for parents and monitoring of the shape of the skull.

How the sessions go

Assessment of the neck’s range of movement, posture, the skull and development. A daily programme demonstrated to the parents, then a check that it is being done and how well it is tolerated. Reassessments; referral if the signs do not match a muscular torticollis or if progress is not sufficient.

My pain diaryFill it in every day, show it at your session

Advice

Place stimulation on the side the baby explores less. Offer several short periods on the tummy, while the baby is awake and supervised. Lay the baby on their back to sleep, without a positioning device (these are not recommended). No forced stretching and no neck manipulation.

Sources

  1. Torticolis congénital (new tab)Manuels MSD pour le grand public, accessed October 26, 2026
  2. Torticollis - Resource Library (new tab)Sheffield Children's NHS Foundation Trust, accessed October 26, 2026
  3. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Congenital Torticollis (new tab)The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne, accessed October 26, 2026

Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

This page is for information and does not replace a consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

Children

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