PLAGIOCEPHALY
In the first few weeks of life many babies develop a flattening through part of their head. The most common cases are medically termed plagiocephaly (flattening on one side of the head) or brachycephaly (both sides). In most cases this is completely normal and will improve over time.
There are many causes of flattening which your osteopath will be able to diagnose:
- Positional flattening (which is the most common cause)
- Factors in the womb including multiple pregnancies or low amniotic fluid levels (oligohydramnios)
- Prematurity
- Muscle conditions
- Craniosynostosis
- Torticollis
The flattening can worsen if there are tensions in the neck which prevent your baby from comfortably turning his/her head both ways. Tensions occur for a variety of reasons which the osteopath can explain to you. Treatment may help improve the movement of the neck and head and your osteopath can also advise you on exercises and counter-positioning, which has been shown to reduce the flattening shown at one year of age (Bialocerkowski et al, 2008).
If the flattening is due to something other than tensions in the neck your osteopath will be able to refer you accordingly.
Reference: Bialocerkowski, A. 2008. Physiotherapy reduces the risk of deformational plagiocephaly in infants who have a preferred head position when lying supine. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy. Vol. 54 Issue 4 pp. 283.
Alexandra Freeman M.Ost is our Paediatric Osteopath
Alexandra Freeman is an experienced Osteopath who uses structural, cranial and other osteopathy techniques to treat her patients. Alexandra has a passion for paediatric and is currently studying for her Diploma at The Osteopathic Centre for Children.
Alexandra is a Registered Osteopath with the General Osteopathic Council. She graduated from the London School of Osteopathy with a Masters degree in Osteopathy. She has completed courses in both dry needling and cranial techniques at the Sutherland Cranial College.
Jacqueline Shergold has worked in clinics in Australia and Ireland where she worked extensively with Australian Footballers and other elite athletes. In Australia she taught anatomy at University level and therefore has a great understanding of the human body in function and dysfunction.
Techniques she uses include Cranial, Obstetric and Paediatric Osteopathy, dry needling and sports taping. She uses cranial and structural osteopathy as well as rehabilitation exercises in combination for the best possible outcomes.
Appointments:
For an appointment or further questions please call 020 7206 2625 or email info@ltosteo.co.uk