Understanding the Benefits of Plagiocephaly Repositioning Therapy
Introduction
Plagiocephaly can cause significant distress to both the infant and their parents, making them unable to enjoy the beauty of a newborn baby. Fortunately, repositioning therapy is an effective treatment for plagiocephaly that has been used with much success in recent years. In this article, we will discuss the efficacy of repositioning therapy in treating plagiocephaly, and how parents can use it to help their babies.
What is Plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly is a condition that causes the infant’s head to appear flattened or asymmetrical. It can be caused by external pressure on the baby’s skull, such as in-utero positioning during pregnancy, intrauterine constraint, or birth trauma. It can also be caused by underlying medical conditions such as muscular torticollis or plagiocephaly.
The Benefits of Repositioning Therapy
Repositioning therapy involves changing the baby’s sleeping position and positioning of their head to help reduce the flattening or asymmetry associated with plagiocephaly. This treatment can help improve skull shape in babies up to eight months old. It is a non-invasive, cost-effective treatment that does not require the use of helmets, splints, or drugs.
How to Implement Repositioning Therapy
Repositioning therapy is straightforward and can be implemented by parents at home. Parents should first assess their baby’s head shape every two weeks and rotate their baby’s head on the same day each time. This ensures that parents are consistently monitoring any changes in their baby’s skull shape. Parents should also make sure their baby is lying in a variety of positions during the day to promote head growth and symmetry. For example, they can switch up the side on which their baby lays while being held and place them facing different directions while in an infant seat or bouncer. Additionally, when putting your baby down for sleep, parents should alternate the side of the crib in which they place their baby’s head.
Side Effects and Risks of Repositioning Therapy
Repositioning therapy is generally safe, with no known long-term effects or risks associated with its use. However, it is important to monitor your baby’s skull shape regularly and carefully as repositioning may not be effective for every baby. Additionally, if your baby’s skull shape does not improve or worsens while using this treatment, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Plagiocephaly Treatment
If you are concerned about the shape of your baby’s head, it is important that you seek medical attention and advice. While repositioning therapy is a safe and effective treatment option, it may not be the best solution in some cases, especially if your baby’s plagiocephaly is severe or has persisted for an extended period of time. Ultimately, discussing your options with a healthcare professional can help you decide which treatment plan is right for you and your baby.
Conclusion
Plagiocephaly is a common condition among infants and can be treated effectively with repositioning therapy. This non-invasive approach is safe and easy to implement, however, it is important to monitor your baby’s skull shape for any changes in order to ensure the best possible outcome. If you are concerned about the shape of your baby’s head, it is important to seek medical advice and attention in order to decide on the most appropriate treatment plan. With the right approach, plagiocephaly can be treated effectively and quickly.
