Connecting Torticollis to Head Shape Development

Torticollis, or "twisted neck," is a condition commonly seen in infants where the head consistently tilts to one side due to tight or shortened neck muscles. Though it may sound concerning, the good news is that with early intervention—particularly through exercises, positioning, and support from pediatric health professionals—most babies show noticeable improvement.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the basics of torticollis, how it may contribute to head shape asymmetry, and how early assessment and intervention—including a free head shape assessment at ROKband—can support your baby’s development.

Infant torticollis, also known as congenital muscular torticollis, occurs when a muscle called the sternocleidomastoid (SCM)—which runs from the base of the skull to the collarbone—is tight or shortened on one side. This causes the baby’s head to tilt toward the affected side and rotate to the opposite side.

Torticollis is often diagnosed within the first few months of life and may contribute to the development of flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly) due to a consistent head position.

If untreated, this persistent head tilt can limit neck mobility, delay motor milestones, and create or worsen asymmetry in the baby’s head shape. Early identification and treatment from a pediatric physiotherapist, chiropractor, osteopath, or another pediatric care specialist is key to improving range of motion and preventing further complications.

We are proud to work with experienced pediatric physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, and other trusted care providers across Canada who specialize in treating infant torticollis.

These practitioners assess your baby’s neck range of motion, muscle tone, and overall development, and may recommend:

• Neck stretching routines to gently lengthen the tight sternocleidomastoid muscle.

• Strengthening exercises that encourage symmetry and improve head control.

• Tummy time variations to engage both sides of the body.

• Safe repositioning strategies to reduce consistent pressure on one side of the head.

These interventions not only help correct torticollis but also play a crucial role in preventing or improving associated plagiocephaly.

Babies with limited neck mobility often rest in the same position, placing repeated pressure on one area of their skull. Over time, this can result in flattening—most commonly on one side of the back of the head, leading to positional plagiocephaly.

While stretches and strengthening exercises can help correct neck tightness, if your baby is 4 months or older and you’ve noticed a persistent flat spot, an assessment at ROKband may be recommended to discuss all of your options. Our custom-designed cranial remodelling orthoses work alongside torticollis treatment to gently guide the head back into a more symmetrical shape.

We work collaboratively with your baby’s care team to ensure the best outcomes in both head shape correction and muscular development.

While treatment should be guided by a pediatric practitioner, there are also general strategies you can use to support healthy development:

• Tummy Time: Begin tummy time from birth, a few minutes at a time, multiple times per day. As your baby grows stronger, gradually increase tummy time to 20–40 minutes daily. This helps build neck and shoulder strength and encourages active head movement.

• Varied Positions: Switch up your baby’s position during awake time. Alternate sides when holding or feeding, and change the direction your baby faces in the crib each night to promote turning to both sides.

• Encourage Turning: Use toys, sounds, and mirrors to encourage your baby to turn their head in both directions during play. This helps balance muscle development on both sides of the neck.

• Limit Time in Reclined Gear: Reduce the time your baby spends in swings, bouncers, and car seats when awake. These positions can contribute to persistent head positioning and flattening.

When it comes to your baby’s sleep, safety always comes first. The Canadian Paediatric Society recommends placing babies on their backs to sleep in order to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). While this position is safest, it can also contribute to head shape concerns if the baby consistently rests in one position.

To help promote even head movement and reduce the risk of developing a flat spot:

• Rotate Crib Orientation: Alternate your baby’s sleeping position by rotating which end of the crib their head is placed each night. This encourages them to turn toward different directions naturally.

• Use Visual Stimuli: Place light sources, mobiles, or yourself on the side your baby avoids turning to. This encourages natural rotation toward the less preferred side.

These small adjustments can support symmetrical head growth and complement the recommendations from your pediatric care provider.

If your baby has torticollis and you’ve begun implementing repositioning strategies and working with a pediatric healthcare professional—but you’re still noticing persistent flattening—self-correction may become more difficult as your baby grows. This is especially true after 4 months of age, when babies become more mobile.

At ROKband, we offer a non-invasive, custom-designed solution for head shape asymmetries caused by torticollis and other contributing factors. Using advanced 3D scan technology, our team captures highly accurate measurements of your baby’s head shape. Each ROKband is then custom-designed by our certified orthotists to redirect growth into flatter areas and support a more symmetrical head shape.

• We treat babies between 4–18 months old.

• Our helmets are lightweight, breathable, and made with your baby’s comfort in mind.

• ROKbands are custom-designed based on advanced scan data.

• We collaborate with your child’s healthcare providers to create a supportive, personalized treatment plan.

Conclusion

If you’re noticing a head tilt, limited neck movement, or flat spots on your baby’s head, early action makes all the difference. Schedule a free head shape assessment with ROKband—no referral is required and no waitlists.

We’ll evaluate your baby’s head shape using radiation-free 3D scanning and discuss the most effective next steps. Whether your baby needs head shape correction, torticollis treatment, or a combination of both, we’re here to support you every step of the way.