Foundation for Paediatric Osteopathy

Hi

We have twin girls, 3 month's old, born at 38+2 with the aid of ventouse and forceps.

Both have flattening of the head, but one more so, with suspected torticollis and sternomastoid tumour (which we are having an ultrasound to confirm shortly). Having looked around the internet she appears to be a good case for plagiocephaly, with a trapezium shaped head, slight asymmetry of her face.

We have just purchased a goi-goi pillow and will work on repositioning with a physiotherapist should the hospital refer, but want to know how effective CO is in this circumstance - can it re-shape her head? Does it hurt and how many sessions would she need?

We are aware of the helmets made specifically for this condition but are priced out of this treatment - each helmet costing £2000. We're also loath to 'wait and see' if she grows out of it on her own.

Your advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Concerned Mum.
South East London

Plagiocephaly usually develops when a baby has asymetrical posturing of the head on neck. Osteopathic treatment is very effective at creating a more symetrical posture. In additon, once a plagiocephaly begins to develop, it often results in individual sutures (joints between cranial bones) becoming tight and this will worsen the shape change.

Whilst I would not guarentee that osteopathic treatment will remove all of the shape change, it is likley that we will prevent it from worsening and in many cases we can improve the shape. I can't really tell you how many treatments will be required without assessing the severity and causes of the plagiocephaly. Osteopathic treatment used by the osteopaths working in the Foundation's clinics is very gentle and does not cause pain.

Nancy