Torticollis: Right head tilt / Left head turn level 2 exercise (207201)
Key points below
Level Two exercise program
These exercises and activities are for the older baby or toddler with torticollis. Only do these exercises if a physical therapist has talked to you about them. Call (414) 607-5280 with any questions or concerns.
Note: It is important for you to lay your baby on their tummy several times a day while awake and supervised. This is called tummy time. By the time they are 4 months old your baby should spend a total of 60 to 90 minutes on their tummy per day.
Neck turn
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Side neck tiltHold your baby’s right shoulder so it does not rise up. Gently tilt your baby’s head to the left. Move the head so that the left ear moves toward the left shoulder. Make sure the right shoulder does not move when the head moves. Hold this stretch for up to _______ seconds. Do this stretch _____ times. |
Side tilt carrying positionHold your baby on their right side as your baby faces away from you. One of your arms will be between your baby’s legs. Use your other hand to gently tilt the head to the left by moving your baby’s ear towards the left shoulder. Make sure the right shoulder does not move when the head moves. Hold this stretch for up to _______ seconds, _____ times. You can also carry your baby in this position to work on active tilting to the left. |
Neck stretchPut your child on their back over your lap with the head supported with your hand. Slowly lower your child’s head, while holding their shoulders down. Use toys or a mirror for distraction. |
RollingHelp your baby roll over on their right side with the right arm stretched up overhead. Look for the head to lift or tilt to the left while rolling. |
Tummy time on elbowsPut your baby on their stomach. Use a towel roll to help prop your child onto the elbows. Be sure to prop equally on both arms. Practice at least three times a day. Have your baby try to look up and to the right side. |
Tummy time on straight armsPut your baby on their stomach. Help your baby push up onto straight arms with open palms. Be sure to use both arms equally. Help your baby shift their weight from side to side in this position. Practice at least three times every day. Have your baby try and look up and to the right side. |
Reach to feetTry to get your baby to reach for their feet while lying on the back. Help by gently bending your baby’s legs and helping touch their feet. Sometimes it is helpful to have your baby reach for a toy, jingle socks or Velcro rattle. |
Pull to sitWith your baby on their back, put your hands behind their shoulders. Have your baby look up at you with chin tucked. Gently help your baby into a sitting position having them do most of the work. You may also work on moving from sitting back down to back lying. Remember to do this after diaper changes. |
High side lyingHave your baby sit or lean on their right side bearing weight on the forearm. You want to see a head tilt to the left as your baby reaches forward with the left arm. |
Push to sitStart with your baby lying on the right side bearing weight on the forearm. Help your baby push up to sitting with your right hand under their trunk. At the same time, give a very gentle push down on the left hip. Let your baby do as much of the work as possible. Look for a head tilt to the left (ear to shoulder). |
Side sitHelp your baby side sit to the right bearing weight on the right hand. Look for a midline head position or a tilt to the left and good weight bearing on the arm. Have your baby reach out with the left hand. |
Prop sitHelp your baby bring their arms forward and put weight on the arms in a sitting position with legs extended. Help your baby push up into upright sitting again. |
Midline sitting activitiesWork on forward reaching with both arms in the middle while sitting. |
Trunk strengtheningHelp your baby strengthen their trunk and neck while sitting. Do this by tilting your baby’s body to the side, forward and backwards in a diagonal pattern. Look for your baby to return to a midline position after you tilt them. |
CarryingCarry your baby facing out to encourage looking to the right. |
PositioningUse a folded washcloth ¼ – ½” thick taped under your baby’s left buttock. Do this when they are sitting on the floor and playing or in a high chair. This will help your baby tilt their head to the left to strengthen the neck muscles in this position. |
Simple changes that can help your baby’s progress
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Therapy Skill Builders Inc. (3830 E Bellevue, PO Box 42050, Tucson AZ 85733)
Visual Health Information (PO Box 44646, Tacoma WA 98444)
VORT Corporation (PO Box 60132, Palo Alto, CA 94306)