Helmet therapy is an orthosis treatment for molding a baby’s skull into a normal shape. Because an infant’s skull is very soft, as is necessary for the birthing process, some may require support to guide the normal reshaping of their skull and round out flat areas.
Conditions that helmet therapy treats include: Plagiocephaly, Brachycephaly, Scaphocephaly, Craniosynostosis, and other head deformities.
- How does helmet therapy work?
- What is the success rate of helmet therapy?
- How do I know if my baby needs a helmet?
- Are cranial helmets painful?
- When is it too late for a cranial helmet?
How does helmet therapy work?
A custom-fitted helmet has an outer shell with foam inner lining that guides the rounding out of the flat areas of the baby’s skull while preventing the growth of already prominent areas. The baby’s skull will eventually fill in a space in the helmet, molding it into a rounded shape.
This is only really effective for babies under the age of two years, as by then, any treatment will be insignificant.
What is the success rate of helmet therapy?
Helmet therapy is considered generally successful.
One study showed that “Conservative treatment and helmet therapy were found to be effective for correcting positional cranial deformation in 92.8 percent of infants. A total of 77.1% of the conservatively treated patients achieved complete correction.”
How do I know if my baby needs a helmet?
Your pediatrician will be the best person to assess whether your child would benefit from a cranial helmet. Sometimes, slightly misshapen skulls can naturally round out without the aid of orthosis, but other cases would very much benefit from support.
Are cranial helmets painful?
Cranial helmets are typically painless for your child. No pressure is applied, but the molding simply guides the growth of your child’s skull into the mold of the helmet, rounding their head out into a normal shape.
When is it too late for a cranial helmet?
Cranial helmet therapy is typically ineffective and unsubstantial after your child is 2 years old.
Custom Helmet Therapy for Your Child at Pongratz
We provide pediatric orthotic services that utilize the best in custom-designed orthotic technologies and devices. If we’re your first stop or you’re looking for a second opinion, contact us today, and we’ll give your child the support they need.
