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Congenital Torticollis: Exercises

Here are some examples of exercises for torticollis that you can do for your baby. Do them gently and slowly.

These are general instructions. Your doctor or physical therapist will tell you when you can start these exercises, how to do them, and which ones will work best for your baby.

Do the exercises several times each day. For example, some people do them at each diaper change.

It can be hard to do exercises with a baby. Your baby may move and squirm or cry. But doing them may help the baby get better. If you are unsure how to do the exercises or think you are hurting your baby, talk to your doctor.

Right torticollis: How to do the exercises

  1. Right torticollis stretch

  2. If your baby's head tilts to the right and the chin points up to the left:

    1. Place your baby on their back on a changing table or a carpeted floor.
    2. Place one hand on your baby's right shoulder. This holds the shoulder down.
    3. Put your other hand on top of your baby's head.
    4. Gently and slowly bend your baby's head toward your baby's left shoulder.
    5. Try to hold the position for at least 20 to 30 seconds. Then slowly let the head return to its resting position. Stop stretching if your baby resists, seems to be in pain, or is breathing differently.
    6. Repeat 2 or 3 times.

    You can also do this stretch by sitting your baby on your lap, facing away from you. To hold your baby's shoulders steady, put one of your arms across both of the baby's shoulders and hold the baby against your body. Then follow steps 3 through 6.

  3. Right torticollis rotation

  4. If your baby's head tilts to the right and the chin points up to the left:

    1. Place your baby on their back on a changing table or a carpeted floor.
    2. Put one hand on your baby's left shoulder. This holds the shoulder down.
    3. Put your other hand across the left side of your baby's face (from the forehead to the chin).
    4. Gently and slowly rotate your baby's face toward your baby's right shoulder.
    5. Try to hold the position for at least 20 to 30 seconds. Then slowly let the head return to its resting position. Stop stretching if your baby resists, seems to be in pain, or is breathing differently.
    6. Repeat 2 or 3 times.

    You can also do this stretch by sitting your baby on your lap, facing away from you. To hold your baby's shoulders steady, put one of your arms across both of the baby's shoulders and hold the baby against your body. Then follow steps 3 through 6.

Left torticollis: How to do the exercises

  1. Left torticollis stretch

  2. If your baby's head tilts to the left and the chin points up to the right:

    1. Place your baby on their back on a changing table or a carpeted floor.
    2. Put one hand on your baby's left shoulder. This holds the shoulder down.
    3. Put the other hand on your baby's head.
    4. Gently and slowly bend your baby's head toward your baby's right shoulder.
    5. Try to hold the position for at least 20 to 30 seconds. Then slowly let the head return to its resting position. Stop stretching if your baby resists, seems to be in pain, or is breathing differently.
    6. Repeat 2 or 3 times.

    You can also do this stretch by sitting your baby on your lap, facing away from you. To hold your baby's shoulders steady, put one of your arms across both of the baby's shoulders and hold the baby against your body. Then follow steps 3 through 6.

  3. Left torticollis rotation

  4. If your baby's head tilts to the left and the chin points up to the right:

    1. Place your baby on their back on a changing table or a carpeted floor.
    2. Put one hand on your baby's right shoulder. This holds the shoulder down.
    3. Put your other hand across the right side of your baby's face (from the forehead to the chin).
    4. Gently and slowly rotate your baby's face toward your baby's left shoulder.
    5. Try to hold the position for at least 20 to 30 seconds. Then slowly let the head return to its resting position. Stop stretching if your baby resists, seems to be in pain, or is breathing differently.
    6. Repeat this 2 to 3 times.

    You can also do this stretch by sitting your baby on your lap, facing away from you. To hold your baby's shoulders steady, put one of your arms across both of the baby's shoulders and hold the baby against your body. Then follow steps 3 through 6.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

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