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Patient Questions  /  How long torticollis takes

Kids & Babies

How Long Does Torticollis Take to Get Better?

It varies from baby to baby: babies who start treatment early, in the first few months of life, and who have milder tightness often improve faster. Babies who start later or have a tighter neck usually need longer. Your baby's physical therapist can give you an idea after the first visit and will track progress as you go.

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What affects how long it takes

  • Age when treatment starts. Younger babies usually improve faster.
  • How tight the neck is, measured by how far your baby can turn and tilt their head.
  • A lump in the neck muscle, which some babies have in the first weeks.
  • How often the home program gets done. Daily practice matters a lot.
  • Other issues, like a flat spot or a strong habit of looking one way.

Helping it go faster

  • Do the home program every day, worked into diaper changes, feeds and play.
  • Position toys, voices and the view so your baby turns toward their harder side.
  • Keep up tummy time and limit time in car seats, swings and bouncers.
  • Keep your follow-up visits so the plan can change as your baby improves.

After it gets better

Even after your baby's neck moves fully, your therapist may suggest a check-up visit later on. This makes sure the tilt hasn't come back and your baby is reaching movement milestones.

When to see a doctor

Call your pediatrician if your baby:

  • Doesn't seem to be improving with treatment, or the tilt is getting worse
  • Has a tilt that started suddenly, or comes with fever, vomiting or unusual sleepiness
  • Has a flat spot or uneven face that is getting worse
  • Has a firm lump in the neck that is getting bigger

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A pediatric physical therapist measures your baby's neck at the start and at follow-up visits, so you can see progress. Visits are one-on-one and you are involved in each one. You get a home program that fits your routine, and we coordinate with your pediatrician.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi. We can usually see new pediatric patients within 1–2 weeks.

Read our full guide: Torticollis in babies →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026