Shaping Little Crowns: Navigating the World of Plagiocephaly and Brachycephaly with Love and Osteopathic Care.
As an osteopath dedicated to promoting the well-being of the tiniest members of our community, I've noticed a growing number of babies gracing my treatment room with their adorable presence. Among the various conditions I encounter, plagiocephaly and brachycephaly have emerged as the second most common concerns that parents bring to my practice. The flattening of one side/ the back of the head is a concern that resonates with many parents, prompting them to seek the gentle touch of osteopathic care for their precious bundles of joy.
“Plagiocephaly” and “Brachycephaly”. Long names but what exactly do they mean?
Both conditions are commonly described as the Flat Head syndrome, however, to be more precised, the Plagiocephaly involves the flattening of one side of an infant's head (right or left Plagiocephaly), leading to asymmetry, while brachycephaly results in a flattened back of the head, causing its wider appearance.
What causes the flattening?
If craniosynostosis has been ruled out, the primary cause is often prolonged external pressure on specific areas of the baby's skull, commonly due to newborns spending most of this time of their lives laying down on their back and limited tummy time. However, paediatric osteopathy recognises that these issues are not isolated to the head itself but can be interconnected with the other part of the body and the overall well-being of the infant.
So what is the roll of osteopathy with this conditions?
Holistic Assessment: Paediatric osteopaths approach plagiocephaly and brachycephaly by conducting a holistic assessment of the infant's entire body, taking into account factors such as muscle tension, fascial restrictions, and cranial bone mobility.
Gentle Manipulation: Using gentle, non-invasive techniques, paediatric osteopaths work to restore balance and symmetry to the infant's body. Cranial osteopathy, a specific subset of paediatric osteopathy, involves subtle manipulations of the bones of the skull to promote proper growth and development.
Addressing Restrictions: Osteopathic treatment focuses on releasing any restrictions or tensions in the soft tissues and bones, allowing for optimal mobility and function. This can positively impact the shape of the infant's head.
What is my approach?
I strongly agree that every patient management plan, despite the age of the person, should involve some exercises and quite often some lifestyle/habit changes. Therefore, I emphasise collaboration with parents, educate them about the importance of practices such as tummy time and provide guidance on optimal positioning during sleep. I think this collaborative approach ensures that parents are active participants in their child's overall well-being.
Worth remembering!
The osteopathic approach to managing these conditions can seem like a long process for some carers, therefore I am always happy to advise you with other alternative treatment options.
What does the research say?
As the prevalence of Flat Head Syndrome continues to rise, I am encouraged by the emerging research on the effectiveness of paediatric osteopathy in treating this condition, with some studies suggesting positive outcomes. It is heartening to witness that more healthcare professionals recognise the benefits of this holistic and gentle approach.
If you think your baby may suffer from Flat Head Syndrome, don’t wait. I think it is crucial to start treatment as soon as you spot the first head shape changes.
