Torticollis is defined as the lateral inclination of the head and rotation of the chin to the opposite side.
There are two types of neonatal torticollis in infants: benign postural torticollis (very rare) and congenital torticollis.
Neonatal congenital muscular torticollis is a consequence of fibrosis and shortening of the sterno-cleido-mastoid muscle (ECOM), which produces a traction of the neck and head towards the injured side, which can cause plagiocephaly (flattening of that part of the head that is in constant contact).
Torticollis is caused by a defect in the development of the ECOM muscle, or by an abnormal foetal position in the uterus or by a difficult birth.
At Madrid Health, our physiotherapists will take care of these torticollis which evolve very well with conservative treatment.
They will perform specific movements, stretching exercises, massage and positional changes that force the child to look to the other way.
In addition, our physiotherapists will teach parents to properly stretch the fibrous muscle and stimulate it at home to turn the neck to the other side.
At Madrid Health, we are specialized in the care of the little ones, we look forward to seeing you family!