Torticollis is a condition in which an infant’s neck is tilted to one side due to tightness and shortening of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. This restriction causes the infant to frequently rest its head in one position and can cause a common secondary condition known as plagiocephaly, or flattening of the head. Therefore, early detection and treatment by an experienced and skilled therapist is imperative in preventing head deformities in infants.

The good news is that torticollis and plagiocephaly are treatable, and with increased awareness and the right therapy, the infant can regain range of motion and reach developmental milestones. Cranial Therapy Centers (CTC) located in Teaneck uniquely treats infants with torticollis using detailed clinical guidelines based on research from St. Joseph’s Regional Medical Center and through a state-of -the-art STAR scanner system to collect the infant’s head shape data. CTC’s method of treatment is also supported by newer evidence demonstrating that conservative treatment and helmet therapy were found to be effective for correcting positional cranial deformation in more than 92% of infants (Steinberg, J., et al. “Effectiveness of Conservative Therapy and Helmet Therapy for Positional Cranial Deformation.” Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, March 2015, 833-842.).

It is significant to note that infants can be treated with either occupational therapy to correct torticollis or helmet therapy for plagiocephaly, but both are not required in order to qualify for treatment at CTC. If there is a need for both treatments, clients find it very useful to have the occupational therapist and orthotist under the same roof using a collaborative and multi-disciplinary approach. Additionally,the occupational therapist and orthotist may also work closely with professionals of other disciplines who may be involved with the infant (of course, with the parents’ consent). For example professionals at CTC often communicate with the pediatrician, neurosurgeon and/or lactation consultant (torticollis is commonly linked with issues breastfeeding as the infant will have difficulty latching away from the affected side) to ensure the best results for the infant.

If you don’t yet believe the benefit and success of CTC’s system, take it from a parent whose child received both helmet and occupational therapy with CTC.

What experience did you have with CTC?

My daughter, Ariella, received both helmet and occupational therapy when she was 4 months old. I was very nervous to start this process as she was my first child to have a helmet. It was comforting to have everyone right there in the same place. They coached me through it all.

Why was CTC a good fit for you and your infant?

CTC was an easy, friendly and family-oriented place.

Would you recommend CTC to other families?

I recommend it all the time!

CTC is the “perfect fit” for families who are looking to receive top-of-the-line torticollis and helmet treatment from a team of dedicated professionals who utilize a research-based treatment approach combined with state-of-the-art technology to provide the best care for infants during this critical period.

CTC offers free initial therapy and orthotic assessments and welcomes the community to visit their new facility. CTC is located at 1086 Teaneck Road, Suite 3FA and has another location at 1352 River Avenue #4 in Lakewood, New Jersey. For more information and to register for an initial assessment, please visit https://cranialtherapycenters.com.

Sarah Small, OTR/L, is the owner of Sarah B Small OT LLC. She works for CTC in market development and is the lead OT of the Teaneck office.