Torticollis Physical Therapy for Babies in Bakersfield

Yes, physical therapy is a main treatment for torticollis in babies. Congenital muscular torticollis means a muscle on one side of the neck is tight or short. The head tilts toward that side and the chin turns the other way. It is often linked to how the baby was positioned in the womb or during birth. Most babies improve with gentle stretching, positioning and play, and care tends to work best when it starts early. At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist, and parents are part of every visit.

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What causes torticollis in babies

The muscle involved runs from behind the ear down to the collarbone. When it is tight on one side, it pulls the head into a tilt and makes turning the other way hard. It is often noticed in the first weeks or months of life. Some babies are born with it, and others develop it from spending a lot of time in one position.

Torticollis and a flat spot on the head often go together. When a baby always rests on the same part of the head, that spot can flatten, and a flat spot can make it even more comfortable to keep turning that way. See our guide to flat head (plagiocephaly) in babies.

How physical therapy helps

Treatment is gentle and built around play. The Academy of Pediatric Physical Therapy's practice guideline for torticollis recommends physical therapy that includes neck stretching, strengthening, help with even movement on both sides, changes at home, and teaching parents. Your therapist will show you how to:

• Stretch the tight neck muscle slowly and gently, a few times a day, often during diaper changes or feeding.
• Position your baby so they turn toward the harder side, using where you place toys, how you hold them and how you set up the crib area.
• Do tummy time while your baby is awake and watched, which builds neck, back and arm strength.
• Build strength on both sides through play, so your baby can hold their head straight and roll, sit and reach evenly.

A stiff neck can also slow milestones like rolling and sitting, so we watch those too. See our page on gross motor delays.

Why early care helps

A tight muscle is often easier to stretch in the first few months, and treatment that starts early tends to take less time. So it is worth having a head tilt checked soon, rather than waiting to see if it goes away. We keep your child's pediatrician updated on how your baby is doing.

What treatment at ARI looks like

When to see a doctor first

Call your baby's doctor promptly, or get emergency care, if your baby has:

• A head tilt that comes on suddenly, especially in an older baby or child, or after a fall or injury
• A head tilt with fever, vomiting, unusual sleepiness, or crying that will not settle
• Eyes that cross, wander or shake, or a tilt that seems linked to how your baby looks at things
• Weakness or less movement in an arm or leg, or trouble swallowing or breathing
• A lump in the neck that is growing, red or painful
• Hips that click, legs that look uneven, or skin creases on the thighs that do not match, which your doctor may want to check

Why patients choose ARI

Care at ARI is always one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist at our Bakersfield clinic: 8200 Stockdale Hwy, Suite B2, in the Town & Country Village center next to Trader Joe's. 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.

Torticollis in babies FAQs

Common questions

• Why Does My Baby Always Turn Their Head One Way?
• Will My Baby's Torticollis Go Away on Its Own?
• How Long Does Torticollis Take to Get Better?

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