When thinking about physical therapy, babies may not necessarily come to mind. But in the case of congenital muscular torticollis patients, PT can have a profound impact on their motor development into early childhood.

Meredith Caverow, PT, DPT, and Kristen Kouvel, PT, DPT, PCS, physical therapists at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, offer primary care pediatricians the top three takeaways from their new clinical pathway: how to detect and distinguish between the three main types of torticollis, including common physical exam findings as well as anomalies to look out for, and why that distinction is important; when to consider referrals for further evaluation by a physical therapist and what parents can do with their child at home for an early as possible resolution.