Infant Torticollis Research Study
A Gentle, Whole-Body Approach to Supporting Torticollis
Is Your Baby Always Looking To One Side?
If your baby shows a strong preference for turning their head in one direction or has been diagnosed with torticollis, you’re not alone—and there may be a gentler way to help.
I’m Kaili Ets, an experienced pediatric occupational therapist and student of osteopathy, and I’m conducting a research study to explore a more baby-friendly alternative to traditional torticollis care.
About the Study
This research study is exploring whether a gentle, full-body approach—focused on guided trunk movement while the head and neck stay neutral—can help improve head movement and postural symmetry in babies with torticollis or head-turning preference.
Most conventional treatment approaches involve passive stretching of the neck, which can feel uncomfortable for babies and stressful for parents. This study offers an alternative that follows how babies naturally move and develop—using gentle movement and hands-on therapy focused on the trunk, ribs, pelvis, and fascial system.
Why Osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on manual therapy that looks at the whole baby—not just the site of symptoms. It recognizes that structure and function are interconnected, and works to restore ease, balance, and alignment throughout the body.
Osteopathic care for infants is incredibly gentle and non-invasive. Rather than forcing the neck, we work with the body’s natural rhythms to release tension, support regulation, and restore movement from head to toe.
Who Is This Study For?
This study is open to:
→ Babies aged 0–2 years
→ Showing a consistent head-turning preference or diagnosed torticollis
→ Not currently receiving osteopathic treatment
→ Parents willing to attend 1–3 sessions and complete a short intake and feedback forms
What’s Involved?
→ Pre- and post-treatment assessments of head and trunk movement
→ 1–3 sessions of gentle, hands-on care (no neck stretching)
→ Photos/videos for research documentation (with consent)
→ Short questionnaires about your baby’s history and your experience
→ All sessions are free of charge as part of this study, though donations will be accepted for the Angel Fund
Locations & Session Times
Sessions are available on alternating Fridays:
- in Ancaster – at Terra Therapeutics
- in Burlington – at The WOMB
- in Stoney Creek – Location shared upon booking
- Occasional Saturdays – see booking link
Ready to Participate?
Spots are limited and sessions are filling quickly. If you’d like to support your baby through a safe, holistic, and evidence-informed approach—we’d love to hear from you.
Questions?
You can reach me at kaili@kailiets.com.
I’d be happy to answer your questions and help you decide if this is the right fit for your baby.
Get In Touch