Craniosacral/craniofacial therapy for flat spot

lmk115

My son has flat spot developing on one side. We have been doing lots of tummy time to try to correct this common issue. I was wondering if anyone else has tried craniosacral therapy? Our pediatrician recommended it and we are making an apt ASAP. I'd like to avoid the helmet that I know is the more aggressive treatment option. Anyone had any experience with it? What did you think? Was it effective?

shrkfan

What are the other options? I've only heard about the helmet... Every morning I hope the flatness is gone on my lo

lmk115

I believe that there is some type of therapy that is almost like head massages that can help gently move the plates. I am making an appointment and will let you know how it goes.

shrkfan

Please let me know how this appt goes. I've never heard of that but I would be really interested in that. The helmet jist seems so extreme. If you end up sending me a private message let me know so I can login thru my computer, I use the app on my phone and it doesn't notify me

lmk115

We just had the evaluation. The doctors at the pediatric hospital don't refer directly to craniosacral therapists but they said they have heard of success stories. We are going to find them ourselves.

She did say that 60% of those with it have it resolve completely on their own. 25% does not completely resolves but does so enough that parents don't seek further treatment. That made me feel a lot better. 4 months is when it is at its worse and then it plateaus and will likely begin to resolve itself.

I'll keep you updated.

shrkfan

Thank you! We were told it gets worse around 4 mths also but by 18 mths it clears up. But the only option we heard of was a helmet. Luckily this issue is looks only and not something we need to worry about with our babies. Keep me posted and I'm going to do some research too so if I find anything good out I'll let you know

Amie2110

My son has torticollis, which is shortened neck muscles on one side. So he only. Turns his head to the left. My Drs suggested two Months of physical therapy then we will decide if it's helmet worthy or not

leannie25

My son has torticollis as well. His head was flat on the one side. We've had physical therapy for a few months and it's made a difference. Especially once neck strength increases and baby is upright more often, the head continues to even out.

jennypierre1

We bought a Mimos pillow which as really worked on our baby's flat spot!

shrkfan

@jennypierre1 what kind of pillow is that? How long did you use it?

aekuiper

We used a rock n' play to get our daughter to sleep for the first 3 months, which worked like a charm, except it gave her severe plagioceohaly and craniocephaly, and we were advised by the specialist to immediately begin helmet treatment. Well, sadly, I did not have $2500 extra to fork over after maternity leave so we had to resort to neck stretches (which helped with a stiff neck muscle she had), tons of tummy time, and getting rid of the rocker ASAP. That was 2 months ago, and happy to report, the flat spot has almost entirely filled in, the pediatrician confirmed that she would not need the helmet as long as we kept up the excersizes and keeping her off one particular side. Another thing that did wonders; we cut up an old memory foam mattress and my husband put it under the crib cover, which made a huge difference in 2 things: crib training, as she was more comfortable, and adjusting to her head instead of her head forming another flat spot. Good luck!

Dsmolinsky

My LO has been in a helmet for 2 weeks and has made wonderful progress. We also used a rock n play for 3 months and the swing as well. He was in the moderate to severe category on the brachy/plagiocephaly scale and within a week of wearing the helmet he's within the mild category. He doesn't even mind wearing it. They said he'd have to be in it for 3-6 mos but now they're saying he might not even have to be in it much longer. Hope you find the therapy option that works for you and your LO!!

kaygee34

My son had a spot at 4 months. I know this is late, but for future readers it may help. My doctor just recommended we switched arms and the direction he slept. He is now 7 months, and his head looks so much better. No therapy or anything.