Orthotic Helmets

Some babies may require a customized orthotic helmet to correct their plagiocephaly.

A few things to keep in mind when considering a helmet: ⁣

• The optimal time to use helmet is between 5 and 7 months of age, when the baby's head is rapidly growing. That being said, helmet therapy can be initiated as late as 12 months old.

• Having an assessment by an orthotist at 4 months of age is ideal, to allow time to monitor for change and make a decision prior to 5 months of age.

• Torticollis (tight neck muscle) or a delay in motor skills can make strategies like counter positioning more difficult and less effective.

• Given that plagiocephaly does not impact brain growth or development, correction is often considered “cosmetic only”. However, severe asymmetries can affect things like wearing glasses or sporting helmets⁣

• You do not need a referral to have an assessment by an orthotist or a physiotherapist. ⁣

If you are at all concerned about the shape of your baby’s head, speak to your health care provider.⁣

Torticollis

Does your baby prefer to look in one direction?

The problem may actually be coming from a muscle on the opposite side of the neck! The sternocleidomastoid (SCM) is a muscle in the neck that’s function is to rotate to neck to the opposite side and tilt the neck to the same side.

𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐬 occurs when the SCM is shortened or contracted, resulting in a preference to look in one direction and/or tilt in the opposite direction.

Commonly, we see a shortened left SCM which leads to right rotation and a left tilt. ⁣

What causes torticollis?⁣

Torticollis may be a result of positioning in the womb, stretching of the muscle during birth, or the muscle may become tight because the baby has a preference to look to one side only.⁣

Why do we want to treat torticollis? ⁣

• A baby who has decreased neck range of motion (ROM) and a preference to look in one direction can develop a positional plagiocephaly, commonly known as infant “flat head” (See our last blog post!)

• Finding midline (the middle) is an important developmental skill and can be delayed in babies who have torticollis ⁣

• Integration of certain reflexes (e.g. ATNR) can be delayed with a persistent head preference ⁣

Treatment for torticollis involves gentle stretching and strengthening of baby’s neck muscles and positioning strategies to reduce a preference for one side. ⁣

If you notice that your baby has a tendency to look more towards one direction, speak to your healthcare provider for advice. 

Toe-Walking

While it can be FUN to walk on tip toes during play, some children walk up on their toes all of the time. This pattern normally disappears within a few months of learning to walk, however if it persists past a child's third year, there may be a need for therapeutic intervention.

A physiotherapist can address any muscle tightness, joint stiffness, and muscle weakness that may be caused by toe walking through a FUN exercise program to prevent further impact on gross motor development.

If you are concerned, please contact us for an initial assessment, regardless of your child's age: info@fundamentalspt.com or through our website.

Side Sitting

Side sitting is one of our favourite seated positions, not only for infants, but children (and adults) of all ages! What is so great about side-sitting, you may ask? ⁣⁣

• It encourages a more upright posture than cross-legged or ring sitting⁣⁣

• It is an important developmental position for transitions (i.e. for a baby to get from sitting to 4-point)⁣⁣

• It optimizes hip mobility without putting the joint at risk⁣⁣

• It engages the core and trunk muscles ⁣⁣

• Facilitates cross-body movements ⁣⁣

⁣Perhaps the next time you and your child sit on the floor you might try this one out! Just remember to practice both sides to prevent any asymmetries.⁣⁣

Benefits of In-Home Physiotherapy

 Let us come to you! Why do we believe that in-home physiotherapy works well for children? 

• It is more fun! Children are most comfortable and relaxed in their home environment which makes the sessions more enjoyable and productive for everyone.

• It is practical! A big part of paediatric therapy is teaching family practical exercises and strategies to help your child reach their goals.  In your home, we can teach you the play-based exercises in your space AND with your toys/equipment, to help improve carry-over and optimal outcomes.

• It is feasible! Don’t want to bundle up your newborn and cart them out to a busy clinic? Perfect - we are happy to come to you! 

Want to  have some FUN with us?  Schedule an appointment today!