Torticollis & Flat Head (Plagiocephaly)
Does your baby always look to one side, or has a flat patch developed on the back of their head? Torticollis (a tight neck muscle) and plagiocephaly (head flattening) are common, closely linked — and respond beautifully to early, gentle physiotherapy. Most babies treated early need only a short course.
Signs parents notice
Sound familiar?
✓Head consistently tilted or turned to one favourite side
✓Difficulty turning to one side during feeds or play
✓A flat spot on the back or side of the head
✓A small lump or tightness in the neck muscle
✓Fussiness during tummy time
One tick is enough of a reason to ask. Two or more — book a check.
How we help
- Gentle stretching and positioning to release the tight neck muscle
- Play-based strengthening so baby turns both ways on their own
- Repositioning plan for sleep, feeds and carrying to round out head shape
- Tummy-time coaching that works for babies who hate tummy time
- Honest guidance on if/when a helmet referral is worth discussing
What a session looks like
- 1Sessions are short, gentle and done mostly through play and positioning
- 2We teach you the stretches — daily home practice is where the magic happens
- 3Photo tracking of head shape and tilt so you can see the change
ages: 0–1 yrs
Conditions covered here
Congenital muscular torticollisPositional plagiocephaly (flat head)BrachycephalyPreference to one side
Common questions
Will the flat spot fix itself?
Mild flattening often improves once babies sit and crawl — but the tilt that causes it usually needs treatment, and earlier correction (ideally before 6 months) gives the best head-shape outcome.
Is stretching painful for the baby?
The stretches are gentle and we teach you to do them during calm, happy moments — most babies tolerate them well within a few days.
How long does treatment take?
Started early, most babies improve significantly in 6–12 weeks of therapy plus home practice.
Parents also looked at
Early Intervention
Late to roll, sit, stand or walk? Gentle, play-based help when it matters most.
Posture & Scoliosis
Screen-age slouching, scoliosis monitoring and spine-strong exercise programs for growing backs.
Balance & Coordination
For clumsy kids, DCD, and motor-skill support in autism and ADHD — confidence through movement.
Worried about torticollis & flat head?
Tell us what you're seeing — we'll tell you honestly whether an assessment is needed.