After her diagnosis, most of the work to correct baby girl's torticollis happened at home. Her physical therapist taught us a variety of exercises and we did them multiple times a day at home.
Some additional exercises included:
Baby laying flat on back, gently turning head all the way to tight side, and gently keeping opposite should down. Hold for 30 seconds.
While seated, hold baby in a koala hold facing you. Turn head to affected side and try to get chin to shoulder. Hold for 30 seconds. (Can also be done facing out and seated in between parent's legs)
Baby laying flat on back, one hand on tight side shoulder holding it still, gently tilt head away from tight side shoulder to open and stretch. Hold and gently release.
Same opening move, but while holding baby in the football carry.
Same opening move, but while baby is seated on the ground between parent's legs and facing out.
Using a yoga ball can also help baby to develop the core and neck muscles.
Sit baby on yoga ball (supported!) and gently move side to side. Their head to stick to the upward facing shoulder.
Lay baby on tummy on the yoga ball and move them around in different directions.
After a few sessions and a lot of at home work, baby girl was able to turn her head completely to her left should and obtained 180 degrees movement. We were still encouraged to continue the exercises at home to help her muscles continue to develop. In addition, if she starts showing any signs of regression or only doing activities to one side (i.e., her right side), we could go back for more physical therapy.
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