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Patient Questions  /  Will torticollis go away on its own

Kids & Babies

Will My Baby's Torticollis Go Away on Its Own?

Sometimes a very mild case improves with positioning alone, but it's hard to know ahead of time which babies will get better without help. Physical therapy guidelines recommend getting babies evaluated as soon as torticollis is noticed, because starting early usually means shorter, easier treatment. Waiting can let the neck muscle get tighter and a flat spot get worse.

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Why waiting isn't the best plan

Torticollis is a tight muscle on one side of the neck. If it stays tight while your baby grows:

  • The neck can get stiffer and harder to stretch.
  • Your baby keeps resting on the same part of the head, which can cause or worsen a flat spot.
  • Your baby may roll only one way or reach mostly with one hand.

Research shows that babies who start treatment younger usually need less time in treatment than babies who start later.

What treatment usually involves

  • Gentle stretches, done the way your physical therapist shows you.
  • Strengthening through play, so your baby uses the weaker side of the neck.
  • Positioning for play, feeding, carrying and the crib, always on the back to sleep.
  • Tummy time to build strength and take pressure off the back of the head.
  • Checking milestones and head shape as your baby grows.

Most babies with torticollis get better with these simple treatments. If a neck stays tight despite therapy, your pediatrician may refer you to a specialist.

When to see a doctor

Call your pediatrician promptly if your baby:

  • Has a head tilt that started suddenly, or that first appeared after the newborn months
  • Has a head tilt with fever, vomiting, or unusual fussiness or sleepiness
  • Isn't improving, or is getting stiffer, even with home exercises
  • Has a flat spot that is getting worse
  • Uses one arm much less than the other, or has eyes that don't move together

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A pediatric physical therapist measures your baby's neck movement, builds a plan around your daily routine, and checks progress at each visit. You are part of every session and learn exactly how to do the home program, and we keep your pediatrician updated.

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