What Does a Torticollis Evaluation Looks Like?
It is so important that little ones with torticollis are treated early, preferably during the first 3 months of life! But sometimes that first physical therapy evaluation can be a little intimidating when children are so young and everything is still so new.
What is torticollis? Torticollis is tightness in the sternocleidomastoid muscle (and often other neck musculature) in infants, and results in a strong preference for infants to tilt and/or turn their head towards one side. This often stems from their positioning in utero, but can be exacerbated by positioning after birth. Infants who are always tilting or turning their head towards one side may be more prone to developing a flat spot on their head (plagiocephaly) and may be more at risk for asymmetrical motor, postural, and visual development.
Finding the right PT can really help with navigating the complexities of the diagnosis and empower you with the knowledge and tools you need to care for your little one. So what can you expect during a PT evaluation for torticollis? A physical therapist will first have a conversation with you to learn more about you and your little one’s story. They will then take some measurements of your little one’s range of motion (see photo above) and might measure head symmetry using calipers (see photo below). These numbers are super important, as they help a therapist determine if/how much PT is needed and helps track progress. The PT might also screen their hips, assess their general gross motor development, and see how your little one tolerates being in different positions. A good therapist will often make this part of the assessment often look like play!
Does your infant have a strong preference for looking or tilting their head towards one direction? If so, give us a call! The earlier PT is initiated, the higher the chance that the torticollis will resolve in a shorter amount of time. We would love to see what we can do to help, and hopefully ease some of those anxieties away. Stay tuned to learn more about what PT treatment looks like!
