Flat head syndrome, or plagiocephaly, brachycephaly, and scaphocephaly, is a condition many infants experience during their early months. While the condition often occurs due to prolonged pressure on certain parts of the skull, physical therapy is important in treating flat head syndrome. For parents navigating this journey, understanding how physical therapy works alongside cranial helmet therapy can make all the difference in correcting your baby’s head shape and promoting healthy development.
In this article, we’ll explore how physical therapy can help treat flat head syndrome when it is recommended, and how it can work in conjunction with cranial helmet therapy.
Understanding Flat Head Syndrome
Flat head syndrome is an umbrella term that includes:
• Plagiocephaly: Flattening on one side of the head, often leading to facial asymmetry.
• Brachycephaly: Flattening across the back of the head, resulting in a wider, shorter head shape.
• Scaphocephaly: Elongation of the head from front to back, creating a narrow, long head shape.
These conditions occur when a baby spends too much time in the same position or experiences limited neck mobility, placing uneven pressure on the skull. Physical therapy becomes a vital part of the treatment for these conditions.
Why Physical Therapy Is Important for Flat Head Syndrome
While cranial helmets effectively reshape a baby’s head, physical therapy addresses the underlying causes of flat head syndrome, such as torticollis and other muscle imbalances. Physical therapy helps to:
Improve Neck Mobility: Many babies with flat head syndrome also have torticollis, a condition in which the neck muscles are tight or shortened, limiting the baby’s ability to turn their heads equally on both sides. Physical therapy can help stretch and strengthen these muscles to correct imbalances.
Encourage Proper Alignment: Physical therapy promotes symmetrical movement and positioning, helping to ensure that your baby’s head receives even pressure distribution, preventing further flattening and helping the helmet work more effectively.
Support Gross Motor Development: Flat head syndrome can sometimes be linked to delayed motor skills, as babies may favor one side of their body. Physical therapy addresses these concerns by promoting healthy muscle development, enabling babies to meet physical milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, and crawling.
When to Consider Physical Therapy for Your Baby
If your baby has been diagnosed with flat head syndrome or if you notice symptoms like a persistent flat spot, uneven head shape, or difficulty turning their head, it’s important to discuss physical therapy with your pediatrician. Physical therapy is often recommended if:
– Torticollis is present: If your baby shows signs of neck tightness or tilts their head to one side consistently, physical therapy can help correct this.
– Flat spots do not improve with repositioning: Sometimes, simply adjusting your baby’s sleeping and resting positions doesn’t yield the results you’re hoping for. In these cases, physical therapy can be a key next step.
– Developmental delays are suspected: If your baby is not meeting key milestones such as rolling over or reaching for objects, physical therapy can help encourage more balanced movement.
How Physical Therapy Helps with Cranial Helmet Therapy
Cranial helmets are often prescribed to reshape the skull for babies with moderate to severe flat head syndrome. However, physical therapy can make this process more effective by addressing any muscular imbalances that contribute to the condition.
According to Stuart Weiner, CPO, LPO, and owner of Cranial Centers of New Jersey, “Cranial helmet therapy and physical therapy work together. While the helmet focuses on reshaping the skull, physical therapy ensures that the baby develops proper neck and body movement, which is essential for long-term success.”
Combining cranial helmet therapy with physical therapy ensures that immediate cosmetic concerns and underlying muscular issues are treated, leading to more comprehensive and lasting results.
What to Expect During Physical Therapy
Physical therapy for flat head syndrome is non-invasive and typically involves gentle exercises and stretches designed to improve neck strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Here’s what you can expect during physical therapy sessions:
Assessment of Movement: The physical therapist will evaluate your baby’s head movement, muscle strength, and signs of torticollis or movement imbalances.
Targeted Exercises: The therapist will show you how to perform specific exercises with your baby to stretch and strengthen the neck muscles. These exercises are often done during playtime to make them fun and engaging for your little one.
Positioning Techniques: The therapist will guide you on positioning your baby during sleep, tummy time, and while awake to encourage symmetrical development. This helps to alleviate pressure on the flattened areas of the skull and promotes natural rounding.
Home Exercises: Besides the in-clinic sessions, your physical therapist will likely give you exercises at home. Consistency is key to seeing improvement, so it’s essential to incorporate these exercises into your daily routine.
Benefits of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy offers a range of benefits for babies with flat head syndrome, including:
• Faster Correction: When combined with cranial helmet therapy, physical therapy can accelerate the process of correcting the head shape.
• Improved Symmetry: Physical therapy helps ensure that your baby’s body and head develop symmetrically, reducing the risk of ongoing asymmetry.
• Motor Skill Development: By addressing muscle imbalances early, physical therapy supports your baby’s gross motor development, helping them reach milestones on time.
Final Thoughts on Physical Therapy for Flat Head Syndrome
Flat head syndrome is common, but with early intervention through cranial helmet therapy and physical therapy, your baby’s head shape and overall development can improve significantly. Working with an orthotist and a physical therapist ensures that your baby receives the best possible care, addressing the condition’s cosmetic and muscular aspects.
Remember, every baby’s journey is unique, and it’s essential to follow your pediatrician’s and specialists’ recommendations for the best outcomes.
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.
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