Just shortly after a baby is born, they develop the ability to turn their heads to both sides equally. Holding a head tilted to the same side or always looking in one direction could be a sign your child has a condition called Torticollis.
Torticollis is the inability to straighten or turn the head to each side equally.
Torticollis is the third most common congenital musculoskeletal anomaly in children and will generally be present in the first week to 10 days after birth, although most people notice this in their baby/child in the first two months.
If you think your child may have torticollis, talk to your pediatrician and get a referral for a physical therapy evaluation and treatment. If discovered early and treatment is implemented, most cases of Torticollis can be corrected with no lasting long term effects. If you have any questions about this post please contact us at info@coastaltherapy.net or 904-372-4070.
Coastal Connection blog post contributor,
Dr. Janice Deschenes PT, DPT, MS
Janice joined the Coastal team after relocating to Jacksonville from Massachusetts. She brings over 20 years of experience as a physical therapist. Janice earned her undergraduate and Master’s degree in Physical Therapy from Simmons College. She will obtain her Doctorate in Physical Therapy through Utica College in August of 2018. Although Janice has worked in many practice settings, her primary focus throughout her career has been in pediatrics.
Janice has extensive clinical experience working with children ages 0-21. Her focus has been working with children with orthopedic and neurological injuries, congenital and genetic disorders, as well as diagnoses such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Torticollis, and general developmental delays. Janice is also experienced in assessing for orthoses, splints, wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment. She has taken extensive continuing education courses over the years on manual skills such as Craniosacral Therapy, as well as adaptive seating and orthoses management.
Janice enjoys living in the Jacksonville area with her husband, son, and daughter. They love the warmer weather year-round that Jacksonville offers, and enjoy spending time outside whenever possible.