Updated October 2026
It’s hard to believe that anyone as small and sweet as a baby could hold any tension in their little bodies… But did you know that tension and tightness in the fascia and muscles can be exhibited in many different ways? That’s right! Your baby might cry every time he’s in the car seat because he’s holding tension in his body. Or what about those cute neck rolls? Do they look red and irritated in the creases? Another sign that your baby might be holding tension.
What Causes Tension in Babies?
Does your baby exhibit any of these signs that they may be holding tension in their body? The fascial web of connective tissue covers all the structures in our body, meaning any restriction in that web can impact function in a multitude of ways. Fascia responds to stresses on the body by creating patterns of tension or strain. For babies, the most likely way for them to develop strain patterns in their fascia is through uterine positioning, birthing process and/or any NICU time or medical complications that require specific positioning.
Common Signs of Tension we often see in our Denver Patients
Irritated, red looking neck creases
Constantly fisted hands, reflux, colic
Body scrunched to one side
Hates the car seat
Poor sleep
Difficulty feeding:
Noticing a few of these signs in your baby? PTP Denver's pediatric physical therapists can find where your baby is holding tension and show you how to help at home.
Book an Evaluation
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Physical therapy and Craniosacral fascial therapy can help! Manual therapists who are trained to release fascia can find and address your baby’s specific fascial strain patterns and give you ways to support them at home. A tension-free baby will be happier, feed better, digest better, sleep better and play better!
At Progress Through Play, our Denver pediatric physical therapists are trained in craniosacral fascial therapy specifically for infants and little ones.