torticollis
Torticollis can also be referred to as wry neck’. Depending on the severity of your torticollis it can be an extremely painful and awkward condition that can affect activities of daily living and work significantly.
What is torticollis?
Torticollis is the name given to a condition that occurs when the muscle running towards the back of the neck becomes tight, weak or thickened. It causes the head to tilt and the chin points towards one shoulder and the head tilts towards the shoulder opposite. Depending on how severe the torticollis is, it can be very painful.
Acute torticollis also termed wry neck’ is often presented at our clinic and is different to other forms of torticollis including congenital torticollis or traumatic torticollis.
What causes torticollis?
Torticollis can occur due to a traumatic injury such as a road traffic accident or can come on after sleeping in an awkward position. Torticollis can also be completely unprovoked.
What are the symptoms of torticollis?
Acute torticollis often presents with a head twisted to the affected side and the chin pointing towards the shoulder opposite. It is difficult to twist your neck back round to the other way and may be very painful.
Symptoms are typically felt in the morning and a twisted head is often accompanied with:
- Pain
- Neck stiffness
- Decreased range of movement
How is torticollis diagnosed?
Your physiotherapist at Farrell Physiotherapy can provide a full subjective and objective assessment to determine whether you have torticollis or if something else is causing your symptoms. Scans are not normally required.
Torticollis may also present with other injuries such as a fracture, minor trauma, a dislocation, whiplash injury and subluxations.
what treatment can Farrell Physiotherapy offer for torticollis?
Following assessment, you will be given a tailored treatment programme based on your lifestyle and goals. Treatment will initially aim to reduce symptoms and then prevent you having torticollis again by improving strength and posture in your neck.
Treatment may include:
- Advice regarding anti-inflammatories
- Ice/heat therapy
- Joint mobilisations
- Stretching exercises
- Gentle, graded exercise programme
- Change pillows
Recovery from torticollis varies person to person and can also depend on how much you follow your physiotherapy treatment programme. Acute torticollis may settle within a week and their symptoms may have completely resolved by 3 weeks’ time though physiotherapy may then be needed to make sure you recover fully, strengthen muscles and treat any residual stiffness to prevent re-injury.
Benefit of physiotherapy for torticollis?
There are several benefits of physiotherapy for torticollis and seeking treatment early can speed up the recovery process allowing you to return to pain-free normal activities as quickly as possible.
Physiotherapy assists with:
- Reduced spasm
- Decreased pain
- Increased range of movement
- Increased strength
- Prevention of re-injury
Don't let pain win...
Our Expert Physiotherapists specialise in providing the latest in physiotherapy treatments and techniques in order to get you pain free as soon as possible, cure the cause of your pain and help you to return to pre-injury levels of activity.
Furthermore, we'll also give you a bespoke exercise and rehabilitation program, and advise you on how to prevent re-injury and remain pain free.
Get in touch with us now on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 or alternatively send us a message.
Insurance
At Farrell Physiotherapy we work with some of the uk's top insurance companies to ensure you're covered.
We can accept payment from AXA (PPP), Bupa, PruHealth, simplyhealth and Standard Life, if you have any questions about alternative payment methods, please get in touch with us using the contact form at the bottom of the page and we'll get back to you asap!
Where we are
We have two clinic locations within the Essex area, please use the map below to view contact details for the clinic that you would prefer to visit.
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday
6am to 9pm
Saturdays
9am to 12pm
Same day & Emergency appointments available most times.
Chelmsford
Little Waltham Road,
Broomfield, Chelmsford
CM1 7TG
Witham
Spinks Ln, Witham,
Essex, CM8 1EP
Get In Touch
If you have any questions prior to booking just send us a message using the form and we'll be in touch asap.
If you would prefer to talk to us on the phone we can be reached on 01245 830280 or 07980 898212 during business hours.