How Craniosacral Fascial Therapy Can Help Babies with Torticollis and Plagiocephaly

Have you noticed your baby consistently turning their head to one side? Or maybe you’re concerned about the shape of their head starting to look a little flat on one side? You're not alone—and more importantly, you’re not without options. These are common concerns among parents of infants, and one gentle, holistic approach that can help is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT).

Hi, I’m Dr. Jessica Leland, pediatric physical therapist and founder of Wobbly Beginnings in Bedford, New Hampshire. I help babies and toddlers move, grow, and thrive—and that often means addressing early challenges like torticollis and plagiocephaly in a whole-body, compassionate way.

Let’s break down what these conditions are, how they’re connected, and how CFT can support your baby’s development from the inside out.

What Are Torticollis and Plagiocephaly?

Torticollis is a condition where a baby has tightness in the neck muscles, usually the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. This muscle runs from behind the ear down to the collarbone. When it's tight on one side, babies often tilt their head toward that side and turn their face away—creating what’s called a head turn preference.

Plagiocephaly, on the other hand, is a term used to describe a flat spot on a baby’s head. This often happens because the baby lies in the same position for long stretches of time, putting pressure on one part of the skull that’s still soft and forming.

Here’s the connection: When a baby has torticollis and prefers turning their head one way, they tend to lie on the same part of their head—especially during sleep. That consistent pressure can lead to a flat spot. So torticollis and plagiocephaly often show up together, like partners in a developmental pattern we want to gently interrupt.

Why Does This Happen?

Infants spend a lot of time on their backs—during sleep, diaper changes, and car rides. And while back-sleeping is critical for safe sleep, it also increases the chance of uneven head pressure when a baby prefers turning to one side.

To add to that, a baby’s skull isn’t fully fused—it’s designed to expand as they grow. But when one part of the head is always in contact with a surface, it limits how much that area can grow, leading to asymmetrical head shape.

The root of the issue isn’t always just muscular. Tension patterns in the fascial system—the body’s connective tissue network—can also restrict a baby’s ability to move freely and comfortably.

What Is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT)?

CFT is a gentle, hands-on therapy that focuses on releasing tension in the fascia, a web-like connective tissue that surrounds muscles, organs, bones, and more.

Rather than forcing movements or manipulating joints, CFT follows the baby’s body’s natural rhythm, allowing the fascial system to unwind and release tension in a way that’s safe and soothing. The goal? To create space in the system so the baby can move more comfortably and symmetrically.

At Wobbly Beginnings, I use CFT to address not just the symptoms of torticollis or head shape changes—but the underlying causes, which may be anywhere in the body. If you want to learn more about CFT, check out this previous blog post.

How Can CFT Help Babies with Torticollis and Plagiocephaly?

Babies are smart—they seek comfort just like we do. If a baby has fascial tension that makes one position feel safer or easier, they’ll return to it again and again. That’s why a head turn preference can develop even if the neck muscles themselves aren’t the issue.

Through CFT, we can gently assess where tension patterns are hiding—whether it’s in the neck, jaw, shoulders, spine, or even pelvis—and help the body release them.

Here’s what that might look like:

• Releasing pelvic or spinal tension that contributes to head or neck restrictions

• Softening facial or jaw tension that may affect feeding, turning, or comfort

• Helping the shoulders and rib cage relax so the baby can more easily lift and move their head

• Creating more symmetry and balance in the cranial system to support natural head reshaping

Real-Life Signs Your Baby Might Benefit from CFT

You might notice:

• A head consistently tilted or turned to one side

• Your baby tracking visually but unable to fully turn their head

• Uneven pressure or flatness on one part of their head

• Feeding challenges, especially if they struggle to latch or turn during feeding

• A shoulder that seems shrugged or a body that curves in a “C” shape during tummy time

These are all subtle ways your baby might be communicating, “Something feels tight or uncomfortable.”

Why a Whole-Body Approach Matters

One of the unique aspects of CFT is that it doesn’t isolate the problem—it looks at the entire baby.

A tight neck muscle might be the obvious issue, but what if the root cause is actually in the hips or jaw? CFT allows us to address tension wherever it’s hiding, supporting the body’s natural alignment and movement.

That’s why I often combine CFT with traditional physical therapy techniques. CFT complements other interventions beautifully—whether your baby is already seeing a PT, working on a repositioning plan, or even wearing a cranial orthosis (helmet).

Supporting Head Shape Naturally

For babies with plagiocephaly, the goal is to help the head grow into a more symmetrical shape. We often use repositioning techniques to redirect pressure and encourage growth in flatter areas. CFT supports this by:

• Releasing fascial restrictions around the skull

• Improving neck and trunk mobility so repositioning is easier

• Enhancing comfort so your baby naturally explores new positions

In some cases, babies may need a helmet to help reshape the skull. CFT still plays an important role here—by keeping the fascia open and the body mobile, we allow for better results during cranial remodeling.

When to Start?

Early intervention is everything. If you suspect your baby has a head turn preference or you’re noticing flattening of the head, don’t wait. The earlier we begin releasing those patterns, the easier it is to support healthy, balanced development.

Whether your baby is just a few weeks old or already several months into tummy time, it’s never too early—or too late—to seek help.

Let’s Support Your Baby—Together

At Wobbly Beginnings, we believe in empowering families with holistic, evidence-based tools that meet your baby where they are. Craniosacral Fascial Therapy is one of the gentle, effective approaches we offer to help babies with torticollis, plagiocephaly, feeding difficulties, and more.

If you’re curious whether CFT might be a good fit for your little one, book a free consultation here. I’m always happy to answer questions, collaborate with your current provider, or create a care plan that feels right for your family.

You know your baby best. If something feels off, trust your gut—and know that gentle, compassionate support is right around the corner.