Torticollis and Plagiocephaly

What is Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT)?

CMT is a condition detected in infants at birth or shortly after.  The infant will usually present with their head rotated and/or tilted to one side. This happens due to the shortening or tightening of the neck muscles, most commonly the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. The most common reason why your child’s neck muscle has tightened is usually due to the way your baby was positioned in the womb before birth. Torticollis will limit your child’s ability to move their head in the full range of movement, and this may affect their ability to interact freely with the environment.

What is Plagiocephaly?

Torticollis can also be associated with the flattening of the back of your child’s head. This is known as plagiocephaly. With torticollis, the baby’s head is usually rotated to one direction. This causes repeated pressure on one part of the head. Plagiocephaly can also be caused by sleeping regularly in one position only, causing the infant’s soft skull to be flattened in that area.

How do I know if my child has torticollis?

• Your child has limited movement in the head and neck
• The head may tilt to one side or
• The chin may rotate head to one side
• Asymmetries to the head or face: e.g cheek may look fuller on one side
• Occasionally, a small lump may be present in the SCM muscle
• Flattening of the head may be present

How can a Physiotherapist help?

• Prescribe targeted stretching and strengthening exercises to restore normal head position
• To assess for any other concerns (flat head) and rule out any serious conditions
• Specific play-based exercises to ensure normal physical milestones are met
• Education on positioning strategies for sleep, feeding and other daily activities

Let our Physiotherapists at Women & Children Centre help your child with their condition.