Coral Currents: Episode 3

As a pediatric therapist, there are a few conditions we all come across... torticollis is one of them. In this episode of Coral Currents, I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Dr. Mary Elizabeth Parker, a brilliant and compassionate physical therapist who has seen it all.

Torticollis may seem simple— a baby’s head tilting to one side— but as Dr. Parker explains, the ripple effects can be profound. From feeding challenges and tongue ties to visual disturbances and delayed milestones, this “tight neck muscle” issue can quickly become a developmental roadblock if left unaddressed.

So what can we do? According to Dr. Parker, it starts with early identification and a whole lot of caregiver collaboration. She shares her “Rule of 3” for parent coaching: make just three realistic, routine-based suggestions at evaluation, and build from there. It’s about embedding strategies into daily life— like feeding in sidelying, tummy time on a parent’s chest, or repositioning the crib so baby naturally looks in their non-preferred direction.

She also reminds us of something critical: trust your gut. If something feels off, speak up. And if the baby is screaming through a stretch? Stop. No one learns—or lengthens—when they're upset. Instead, she encourages us to integrate support across disciplines: feeding therapy, OT, PT, and caregiver education should all work hand-in-hand.

Whether you're a seasoned therapist or new to the field, this episode is full of gems on treating not just the muscle— but the whole child and family. If you're looking to refine your torticollis game or simply want to feel re-inspired about the power of collaboration, this is the episode for you.

🎧 Listen now on Spotify!