Physical Therapy for Torticollis & Plagiocephaly in Chicago
Does your baby prefer looking in one direction? Have you noticed a flat spot developing on their head?
You’re not the only one dealing with this, and you’ve come to the right place. At Eyas Landing, we specialize in helping infants overcome Torticollis and Plagiocephaly through gentle, evidence-based physical therapy. We meet you where you are—whether that’s in our West Loop clinic, in the comfort of your home, or via telehealth—to build a personalized plan that fits your family’s life.
What is Torticollis?
Congenital Muscular Torticollis (CMT) often occurs when the muscle on one side of a baby’s neck (the sternocleidomastoid) is tight. You might notice your baby tilting their head to one side while rotating their chin to the opposite side. This can make it difficult for them to turn their head freely, potentially impacting breastfeeding, sleep, and early motor development.
What is Plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly, often called “flat head syndrome,” frequently happens alongside Torticollis. When a baby consistently rests their head in the same position due to muscle tightness, a flat spot can develop on the back or side of the skull. While common, early intervention is key to ensuring proper growth and symmetry.
We understand that these diagnoses can feel worrying for a new parent. Our team is here to guide you with empathy, expertise, and a clear path forward.
Our Specialized Physical Therapy Services
At Eyas Landing, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Our pediatric physical therapists are experts in infant development and use playful, gentle techniques to help your baby thrive.
Comprehensive Evaluations
We start by listening to your concerns. Our initial evaluation assesses your baby’s range of motion, muscle strength, head shape, and overall motor skills. We look at the whole picture—how they eat, sleep, and play—to create a treatment plan that works.
Manual Therapy & Stretching
Our therapists use gentle, hands-on techniques to relax tight muscles and improve neck flexibility. We perform these stretches with great care, ensuring your baby feels safe and comfortable throughout the session.
Strengthening Through Play
Therapy should be fun! We use engaging toys, tummy time activities, and positioning strategies to strengthen the weaker neck muscles. This helps your baby gain the strength they need to hold their head up straight and explore their world.
Plagiocephaly Management
If your baby has a flat spot, we provide specific positioning strategies to relieve pressure on that area during sleep and play. In some cases, we collaborate with orthotists if a helmet (cranial orthosis) is recommended, supporting you through that process as well.
Parent Coaching & Home Programs
You are the most important part of your child’s success. We empower you with simple, effective exercises you can do at home during diaper changes, playtime, or feeding. We make sure you feel confident supporting your baby’s progress every day.
Interested in learning more about physical therapy and all therapies available under one roof at Eyas Landing? Click below to learn more.
- Preventing Plagiocephaly and Torticollis in Infants
- Early Intervention: Accessing Publicly Funded Therapies Ages 0-3
- Pediatric Physical Therapy in Chicago
- Physical Therapy for Early Intervention in Chicago
- Feeding & Swallowing Therapy for Children in Chicago
- Speech Therapy for Early Intervention in Chicago
- Occupational Therapy for Early Intervention in Chicago
Success Stories
“We noticed our son always looked left. At 4 months old, we were worried about his flat spot. The team at Eyas Landing was incredible. They came to our home, which made everything so much easier. After just a few months of gentle stretches and play-based therapy, he has full range of motion and his head shape has rounded out beautifully. We felt supported every step of the way.”
— Sarah M., West Loop Mom
“I was overwhelmed by the idea of physical therapy for my newborn. But our therapist was so gentle and patient. She taught me exactly how to hold him to help his neck stretch without making him cry. Now, he’s a happy, active crawler with no sign of a tilt. Thank you, Eyas Landing!”
— The Johnson Family
Physical Therapy—When and Where You Need It
Consistency creates lasting progress. That’s why Eyas Landing offers flexible service delivery options designed to meet your family’s needs and reduce daily barriers:
- In-Clinic Therapy: Our West Loop facility offers a supportive, accessible environment with specialized equipment and space.
- In-Home Therapy: We bring expert care to your doorstep, helping your child practice skills in their own space.
- School/Daycare-Based Therapy: Collaboration with educators ensures your child’s therapy supports academic and social participation.
- Telehealth: Secure, interactive sessions so your child can engage with our therapists from anywhere.
We work together to determine which setting will help your child get the greatest benefit—and adjust as your family’s needs change.
Take the Next Step with Confidence
You are not alone in this journey. Let’s work together to help your child reach tomorrow’s milestones, one step at a time. Your next step is to schedule a complimentary consultation with our caring team. We’ll listen closely, answer all your questions, and create a tailored plan so your child’s strengths can shine—every day, in every environment.
Our Physical Therapy Team:
Together, the Physical Therapy team seamlessly collaborates with each child’s entire therapeutic team to address best practices and individualized treatment plans. This collaboration between our highly-educated, compassionate staff maximize therapeutic outcomes and help support our clients to reach their fullest potential. At Eyas Landing, we value evidence-based practice, client-centeredness, community, diversity, collaboration, and flexibility.
Why Choose Eyas Landing?
We treat the whole child, and we support the whole family. We believe therapy should reduce family stress, not add to it. That’s why flexibility is the foundation of our approach. We meet families where they are—emotionally, developmentally, and physically.
Flexible Therapy Settings
We offer evidence-based interventions in the environment that works best for your child:
- Clinic-Based: Our state-of-the-art facility in Chicago’s West Loop is designed for sensory play and skill-building.
- Home-Based: We work on skills in your natural environment, making daily routines easier.
- School-Based: We collaborate with teachers to support academic success and social inclusion.
- TeleHealth: Accessible support for adolescents or families needing remote flexibility.
A Multi-Disciplinary Team
Your child isn’t one-dimensional, and their care shouldn’t be either. Our occupational therapists collaborate closely with speech therapists, physical therapists, behavioral therapists (ABA), and social workers. This ensures that every part of your child’s development is supported under one roof.
Family-Centered Care
We partner with your family every step of the way. We don’t just work with your child for an hour and leave; we provide coaching and strategies you can use at home. Your goals become our goals.
Next Steps to Starting Physical Therapy
Evaluation And Outcome Measures
Initial Evaluations are completed with standardized measures, clinical observation and parent report components. Re-evaluations are completed every six months to determine progress. Eyas Landing therapists proactively collaborate with families and other professionals to increase positive outcomes
Plan Of Care
Eyas Landing treatment plans are individualized to meet each child’s unique strengths, interests and goals. Goals are reviewed weekly and daily treatment notes are emailed directly to parents. Eyas Landing therapists are skilled in utilizing the client’s interests and motivations to increase participation in challenging therapeutic activities.
Billing Options
Eyas Landing offers a variety of billing and payment options to support your child’s treatment. There is a dedicated and knowledgeable on-site staff that are here to answer any of your questions. Eyas Landing is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO, Blue Choice PPO, and Aetna PPO plans. Eyas Landing also accepts most out-of-network PPO plans, including United Healthcare and Cigna. Claims are submitted directly to your insurance company and staff can assist in disputing any denied claims.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy for Kids:
Do I need a doctor’s referral?
In many cases, yes, for insurance purposes. However, you can contact us directly to start the conversation. We can help guide you through the process of getting the necessary paperwork from your pediatrician.
My child has an IEP at school. Can we still do private therapy?
Absolutely. Many families find that school services are helpful but may not offer the 1:1 attention or frequency a child needs to make rapid progress. We often collaborate with school teams to ensure our goals align with their IEP, maximizing your child’s success.
Do you take insurance?
We accept a wide range of insurance plans and also work with families on Early Intervention funding. During your initial consultation, our intake team will verify your benefits so you know exactly what to expect.
What does an initial assessment look like?
A: It is a low-stress, play-based evaluation. We observe how your child moves, plays, and reacts to sensory input. We also spend time talking with you to understand your primary concerns and goals.
Center-Based Physical Therapy in Chicago
Kids love our sensory friendly clinics equipped with the best sensory equipment and engaging therapy resources.
Our Play-Based Therapy Clinics are located in:
- Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood
- Chicago’s Avondale neighborhood
In-Home Physical Therapy in Chicago
Eyas Landing therapists offer in-home therapy for early intervention and family convenience.
Our in-home therapy services are offered in the following Chicago neighborhoods:
- Lincoln Park
- Lakeview
- Gold Coast
- Roscoe Village
- North Center
- Ravenswood
- Ukrainian Village
- West Town
- Streeterville
- Loop / Downtown Chicago
- Bronzeville
- Wicker Park
- Logan Square
- Bucktown
- West Loop
- South Loop
- River North
- Hyde Park
- Near North Side
- Oak Park
School-Based Physical Therapy in Chicago
Eyas Landing partners with private schools throughout Chicago to support children in their schools. We provide services in the following schools:
- British International School of Chicago – Lincoln Park
- Francis W. Parker School
- Ancona School
- St. Clement School
- Intercultural Montessori
- City Elementary
- British International School of Chicago – South Loop
- Rainforest Preschool – South Loop
- Old St. Mary’s Catholic School
- St. Alphonsus Academy & Center for the Arts
- The Place for Children with Autism
- Bernard Zell Anshe Emet Day School
- Frances Xavier Warde Catholic School – Cathedral Campus
- The Nook
- Frances Xavier Warde Catholic School – Old St. Patrick’s Campus
- UIC Children’s Center
- Metropolitan Schoolhouse
- St. Josaphat School
- St. Ann School
- Chicago City Day School
- Bennett Day School
- University of Chicago area – Bernice E. Lavin Early Childhood Education Center
- Chicago Jesuit Academy
- Children of Peace Catholic School
- Immaculate Conception – St. Joseph School
- St. John Berchmans School
- Stride Autism Center
- The Trails School for Early Learning
- Easter Seals Gilchrist Marchman Child Development Center
