As most infants with plagiocephaly have some degree of torticollis, a course of Physical Therapy and a home exercise program will usually be part of the recommended treatment. A physical therapist can teach you exercises to do with your baby involving stretching techniques that are gradual and progressive. Most moves will consist of stretching your child's neck to the side opposite the tilt. Eventually, the neck muscles will be elongated and the neck will straighten itself out. Although they're very simple, the exercises must be performed correctly.
For infants with severe positional plagiocephaly, doctors may prescribe a custom-molded Cranial Remolding Orthoses, often called a cranial helmet, or cranial band. These work best if started between the ages of 3 to 6 months, when a child grows the fastest, and are usually less helpful after 12 months of age. They work by applying gentle but constant pressure on a baby's growing skull in an effort to redirect the growth.
The term Plagiocephaly is a general term that describes three different types of flattening on a child’s head, which are:
Plagiocephaly describes the flattening on one side on the child’s head. This type of flattening is commonly associated with a parallelogram shaped head, a shift forward of the ear and a more prominent forehead on the same side as the flattening and possibly the eyes appearing to have unequal positioning.
Brachycephaly describes a flattening across the back of a child’s head. This type of flattening is commonly associated with a loss of definition of the neck line, a wide head shape, prominent bony lumps above the ears, a bossed / protruding forehead and possibly an excessively high height of head.
Scaphycephaly is the most uncommon of the three. It describes a flattening on both sides of a child’s head, giving the overall impression of a long narrow head shape and is associated with an overly exaggerated neck line.
Align Clinic is very proud to be working with Orthomerica; the world leaders in infant cranial remolding orthoses (CRO). Orthomerica has successfully treated over 100,000 babies across the world. They are the makers of the STARband Cranial Band, for which Orthomerica recently received FDA approval to fabricate using the SmartSoc system. Emery J. Maloney, CO is a cranial specialist, and really enjoys working with the babies and parents. The first evaluation with him is free. He will take several key measurements and pictures, and answer whatever questions you may have. He will then communicate with your child's physician, as well as your Physical Therapist, regarding the course of treatment and the outcome.
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