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Torticollis — the involuntary tilting or rotating of the head to one side — responds well to gentle chiropractic care that addresses the cervical and craniosacral restrictions driving the condition.
Torticollis is characterized by a lateral head tilt and rotation to one side, caused by spasm or shortening of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle. In infants, congenital muscular torticollis typically results from positioning in utero or compressive forces during delivery. In adults, acute torticollis can develop from sleeping awkwardly, cervical subluxation, or whiplash. Upper cervical misalignment — particularly atlas subluxation — is the primary chiropractic finding in torticollis, as the atlas controls the proprioceptive balance between left and right neck muscles. Correcting atlas positioning allows the SCM to relax and the head to return to neutral.
For infant torticollis, Dr. Foss uses feather-light craniosacral and upper cervical corrections to restore atlas alignment and release the dural tension contributing to SCM imbalance. Parents are taught gentle home stretching exercises to complement in-office treatment. For adult torticollis, SOT upper cervical adjustments are combined with myofascial release to the affected SCM and suboccipital muscles. Results are typically rapid — most patients notice significant improvement in cervical rotation within the first two to four sessions. Early treatment prevents the secondary complications of torticollis, including plagiocephaly in infants.
At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.
For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:
Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.
Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.
We are insurance friendly. Bring your insurance card and ID to the office to verify how your insurance can contribute to your care. New patient appointments are available promptly.
Comparing options? See how to choose a chiropractor near me in San Antonio or read our guide on how to choose the best chiropractor in San Antonio.
Infant torticollis involves shortening or restriction of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and the underlying cervical joint dysfunction, often originating from in-utero positioning or birth trauma. Without treatment, torticollis produces persistent head tilt, asymmetric cranial shape (plagiocephaly), feeding asymmetry, and developmental milestone delays.
Dr. Foss uses gentle pediatric SOT and cranial chiropractic to release the upper cervical strain pattern and rebalance the cranial bones contributing to the head tilt. Soft-tissue work addresses the SCM directly. Most infants show measurable improvement in head rotation and tilt within several visits, often avoiding the need for helmet therapy.
Most infants with torticollis show meaningful improvement within 4–8 visits. Stable resolution typically develops over 8–16 visits across 2–4 months. Earlier treatment produces better and faster results — ideally before 4 months of age.
Yes. Pediatric chiropractic uses fingertip-level pressure only. Dr. Foss has years of experience with torticollis cases and coordinates with pediatric physical therapy and craniosacral therapy when indicated. The safety profile of pediatric chiropractic for torticollis is well established.
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