Torticollis, often called “twisted neck,” can affect people of all ages — from newborns to adults — and significantly limit daily comfort and movement. Whether the condition develops in infancy as congenital torticollis or appears later in life due to muscle strain, injury, or poor posture, early intervention can help restore proper alignment and prevent long-term complications. At The Fitness Lab, we offer customized physical therapy care to help both children and adults overcome the challenges of torticollis and regain healthy, pain-free movement.
Understanding Torticollis
Causes and Symptoms
Torticollis occurs when the neck muscles tighten or shorten on one side, pulling the head into a tilted or rotated position. In infants, this condition often develops due to tight muscles from positioning in the womb or after birth. For adults, torticollis may result from muscle injury, inflammation, cervical spine disorders, or prolonged poor posture.
Common symptoms include:
- Head tilting to one side
- Limited neck mobility
- Neck and shoulder pain (more common in adults)
- Facial asymmetry or a flattened head shape in infants
- Headaches or dizziness in adults
Early signs in infants might involve favoring one side during sleep or difficulty turning the head, while adults may experience stiffness, discomfort, or postural imbalance. Identifying these signs early can lead to faster, more complete recovery.
Personalized Physical Therapy for All Ages
At The Fitness Lab, our physical therapists use a patient-centered approach to help both adults and children manage and recover from torticollis. Treatment plans are tailored to age, cause, and individual needs, focusing on restoring mobility, improving muscle balance, and supporting daily function.
For Infants and Children:
- Manual Therapy: Gentle stretches and massage help release tight neck muscles and encourage balanced growth.
- Positioning Techniques: Parents learn safe, supportive ways to position their child to encourage symmetrical head movement throughout daily routines.
- Strengthening Exercises: Age-appropriate activities are introduced to build neck strength and maintain flexibility as your child grows.
For Adults:
- Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques reduce muscle tension, relieve pain, and improve neck range of motion.
- Postural Training: Our physical therapists guide you in correcting posture habits that contribute to muscle imbalances and prevent recurring issues.
- Strength and Flexibility Exercises: Customized exercise programs help restore balanced neck and shoulder strength while improving flexibility.
Supporting Your Journey to Recovery
Whether you are a parent seeking help for your child or an adult dealing with pain and restricted movement, our team is dedicated to guiding you at every stage of recovery. We collaborate with other healthcare providers, offer home exercise programs, and monitor your progress to adjust treatment as needed. Our goal is to help:
- Restore neck mobility and range of motion
- Reduce pain, tension, and asymmetry
- Support normal development in infants and improve quality of life for adults
Don’t let torticollis limit your health or your child’s development. Contact The Fitness Lab in Highlands Ranch, Parker, Denver and Greenwood Village, CO to schedule an evaluation and learn how physical therapy can help you or your child regain comfort and mobility!
Your Next Steps…
- Request An Appointment
- Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
- Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
- Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free
