Cranial therapy, particularly helmet therapy, is a highly effective treatment for correcting infant cranial deformities. However, the success of this treatment is only partially dependent on the initial fitting of the helmet. Follow-up appointments are critical to the therapy process, ensuring that the helmet continues to fit correctly and that the skull is shaped as intended. In this blog post, we’ll explore why these follow-up visits are so important, what happens during these appointments, and how they contribute to the overall success of the therapy.
Why Follow-Up Appointments Are Essential
The primary purpose of follow-up appointments in cranial therapy is to monitor the progress of the treatment and make necessary adjustments to the helmet. As a baby grows, their head shape will change, and the helmet must be adjusted to accommodate this growth. These adjustments are necessary for the helmet to stay tight and tight, hindering its effectiveness.
Moreover, follow-up appointments allow specialists to track the progress of skull shaping and ensure the treatment is on the right track. If the skull isn’t shaping as expected, adjustments can be made to the treatment plan. This proactive approach helps maximize helmet therapy’s benefits and ensures that the child receives the best possible outcome. This allows the orthotist to track compliance of helmet use, as it is essential to a stellar result.
Stuart Weiner, CPO, LPO, and owner of Cranial Centers of New Jersey, emphasizes the importance of these visits: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial in ensuring the helmet therapy is effective. Each visit allows us to make precise adjustments that guide the natural growth of the skull, ensuring the best possible results for each child.”
What Happens During a Follow-Up Appointment?
During a follow-up appointment, the orthotist will first assess the baby’s head shape to determine how well the helmet works. This assessment may involve taking measurements, examining the areas of the skull that are still flat, and comparing the current shape to the shape at the start of the therapy.
The orthotist will then check the fit of the helmet. They will look for any areas where the helmet may be rubbing against the skin or where it might be too loose. Adjustments are often made to the foam lining inside the helmet to ensure that it continues to apply the right amount of contact to the necessary areas of the skull.
These appointments also allow parents to ask questions and discuss any concerns they may have. The specialist can provide guidance on how to care for the helmet, manage any discomfort the baby may be experiencing, and what to expect as the therapy progresses.
The Frequency of Follow-Up Appointments
The frequency of follow-up appointments can vary depending on the baby’s age, the cranial deformity’s severity, and the therapy’s progress. Typically, these appointments are scheduled roughly every four to six weeks. However, younger infants may need more frequent visits due to their rapid growth.
Each follow-up appointment is a critical touchpoint in the treatment journey, ensuring that the helmet therapy remains effective and that the baby’s head is shaping correctly.
How Follow-Up Appointments Contribute to Success
Consistent follow-up appointments are a cornerstone of successful helmet therapy. These visits allow for ongoing adjustments to the helmet as needed, which is crucial for guiding the skull’s growth in the desired direction. The helmet may only work as intended with regular monitoring and adjustments, leading to suboptimal results.
In addition to ensuring the helmet’s physical fit, follow-up appointments provide an opportunity to address any concerns or issues that may arise during treatment. This ongoing support helps parents feel confident in the therapy and reassures them that their child receives the best care possible.
Ultimately, follow-up appointments play a vital role in achieving the desired outcome of helmet therapy: a well-shaped, symmetrical head that allows the child to grow and develop without the potential complications associated with cranial deformities.
The Cranial Center of New Jersey is one of the first and finest cranial centers on the East Coast, specializing in early intervention cranial and helmet therapy. Cranial Center was the first to offer the STARband™ scanner and helmets in New Jersey and the third company in the world with 3-D technology. Owned and operated by Stuart Weiner, CPO, the Cranial Center is certified by the American Board of Certification in Orthotics, Prosthetics, and Pedorthics. Our facilities are conveniently located across New Jersey: Hackensack, Hamilton, Hazlet, and Morristown. Contact us for a complimentary consultation at 800 685 9116 or at info AT cranial center dot com.