Torticollis can present with or without a palpable sternocleidomastoid tumour but often neck movements are limited because of the shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. Classic Torticollis presents as limited range of neck rotation to the ipsilateral (same) side and limited neck side flexion to the contralateral (opposite) side. However, babies with Torticollis often present with a variety of possible combinations of limited neck movements.  Parents often report that their baby tends to prefer looking to one side most of the time. With persistent contracture of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, deformities of the face and skull result and are apparent within the first year of life. This often results in Acquired Plagiocephaly / Deformational Plagiocephaly.

Consequences of Torticollis and Acquired Plagiocephaly

Left untreated, Torticollis and Plagiocephaly can result in permanent distortion of the head as well as persistent facial asymmetry.

The persistent side preference as a result impacts on the infant developing normal midline movement, awareness of both sides of their body, bilateral arm use and ultimately delays their gross motor skills development.

How My Favourite Physio can help

Torticollis can present with a variety of possible combinations of limited neck movements, with or without a palpable sternocleidomastoid muscle tumour and ranging from very mild to severe acquired plagiocephaly. At My Favourite Physio, we have expert knowledge and skills to carry out a full assessment of babies’ neck muscles and head shape, in order to correctly diagnose and effectively treat Torticollis. When discovered early, and appropriate stretching exercises and positioning are followed consistently, 80% recover completely with no long-term effects. In a very small number of cases that do not respond to exercises by age 1, surgical release of the sternocleidomastoid muscle may be required later in life.