TEIS therapists have not only been invaluable in teaching us how best to help our son, but they've also been friendly, supportive, encouraging. Jeff, Sarah H-L, Flo, Michelle, and Sarah F/N have been an important part of our son's life - and ours. We're so happy that we found TEIS, loved working with all of our therapists, and would recommend your organization (and our therpists specifically) to anyone one. Thank you! We're sad this can't continue, but happy that TES will be helping many more kids, and their families.
Early intervention therapy has helped my child reach and exceed developmental milestones. Therapy has been deliberate, effective, and rewarding. We all look forward to our weekly "play dates" and for fun and new play techniques to implement throughout the week. Therapy empowered us to help our child become independent and successful.
Early Intervention helped my daughter by teaching her how to roll over, crawl and walk – 3 milestone that she had not met at the recommended age. In addition, her therapist made sure my husband and I were involved in each session and taught us strategies to use with our daughter between sessions in order to help her be successful. Our daughter made tremendous progress thanks to Early Intervention and successfully met all her goals in only a 6 month period!
Have Concerns About Torticollis?
Are you concerned about your child? TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.
Call us at 412-271-8347 or use the contact form below.
Click the image above to visit the TEIS Torticollis/Plagiocephaly Facebook Support Group.
Does your infant…
- Prefer to keep her head turned or tilted to one side?
- Seem uncomfortable or hesitant when you turn his head to the opposite side?
- Fuss more when you hold him on one side verses the other during feeding and carrying?
- Seem to have one eye slightly smaller than the other? One ear higher than the other? One cheek more full?
- Have a flat spot on one side of her head? Does she tend to roll into that flat spot when she lies on her back?
If you answer YES to one or more of these questions and are concerned about your child’s development, please contact your pediatrician or call 412-271-8347 (TEIS).
What is Torticollis?
Torticollis is Latin for "twisted neck."
Torticollis is most often due to the tightness in the muscle that connects the breastbone and the collarbone to the skull on one side. This tightness might have developed for multiple reasons, most commonly because of the way the baby was positioned in the uterus or because the muscles were damaged during delivery.
A physician may also diagnose an infant with plagiocephaly, an abnormal shape of the head. Plagiocephaly may start to develop before birth due to pressure from the mother's pelvis or from multiple fetuses crowding in the womb.
Additionally, positional plagiocephaly can develop as a result of constant pressure being placed on one area of the thin and flexible skull of an infant.
A significant increase in cases of plagiocephaly is in part due to prolonged time spent in car seats, swings, bouncy seats and other plastic equipment.
Medical issues can also play a part in causing torticollis and plagiocephaly.
Why Early Intervention?
- Muscle tightness associated with torticollis requires a shorter course of intervention. The sooner intervention occurs the faster the correction.
- Most cases of plagiocephaly can be resolved with an early, conservative intervention approach.
Why Choose TEIS?
A TEIS Physical Therapist will come to your home or other natural setting to work with your child.
Your therapist and you will establish goals specific to your child's needs. These may include:
- Environmental modifications
- Positioning and Handling
- Stretches and Strengthening Exercises
Your TEIS Physical Therapist will collaborate with you to determine which routines and naturally occurring learning opportunities will help your child overcome torticollis and plagiocephaly.
Your TEIS Physical Therapist will engage you in your baby's therapy, ensuring you are confident and able to implement suggestions into your family and child's daily routines.
You know your child better than anyone - your baby will be most comfortable with your involvement.
