Are you concerned about the shape of your baby’s head?  Does your baby keep her head tilted to one side?  Has your pediatrician mentioned torticollis or positional plagiocephaly to you?  Please don’t delay seeing a physical therapist.  We can help! 

For the treatment of Torticollis, a recent publication in the Journal of Pediatric Physical Therapy states that early detection and treatment is very important! 

When infants see a physical therapist before they are one month old, the tightness in their neck can generally be resolved with as little as 4-6 treatment sessions (one session per week).  When treatment is delayed and not started until the baby is between 1-3 months of age, physical therapy can sometimes continue for as long as six months, and it is much more difficult to regain all of the normal movement in the neck. 

Positional plagiocephaly occurs when infants favor lying with their head turned to the same side throughout the day and night.  Physical therapists can provide parents with positioning strategies for play, feeding, and carrying, as well as ways in which to help your baby tolerate being on his tummy, all which serve to minimize pressure on the flattened side of the skull. 

During the Covid19 Pandemic, with families being instructed to stay at home as much as possible, it is understandable that parents of newborns would delay seeking care for torticollis and positional plagiocephaly.  This delay, however, will most likely result in more severe incidences of plagiocephaly, sometimes requiring expensive plagiocephaly helmets or bands for reshaping,  as well as extended durations of physical therapy intervention once the current crisis is resolved.

Please don’t delay seeking treatment for your baby if you are concerned.  Your pediatrician can provide you with a prescription for telehealth physical therapy. Most insurance companies in the State of Georgia are covering this service, some even without co-pays/co-insurance.  Please call us today if you are concerned.  We will be happy to check your insurance coverage and even contact your baby’s pediatrician if necessary.