24 Feb Is your baby having treatment for a head tilt or a flatten head shape

Is your baby having treatment for a head tilt or a flatten head shape
Did you know that it is important that baby’s hip and feet are also checked when they are having treatment for a head tilt or flattened head shape

Babies should not have a head tilt or head preference to one side. The most common reason why a baby would have a head preference to one side is a tight neck muscle limiting their range of movement to the opposite side or causing them to have a head tilt to one side. This condition is known as Torticollis and the tight neck muscle is the Sternocleidomastoid muscle. As a result of of Torticollis, baby tends to lie on one side of their head and end up developing a flat spot on their head. The flattened head shape is called Plagiocephaly.

Here at My Favourite Physio, when our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists assess and treat babies for Torticollis and Plagiocephaly, we also screen baby’s hips for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips (DDH) or commonly known as “clicky hips” as well as baby’s feet for any abnormal bone development like Talipes also commonly known as “club feet”. The reason for this is that studies have shown that babies who have Torticollis are at higher risk of having Developmental Dysplasia of the Hips or “clicky hips” and Talipes ( abnormalities of the feet).

All 4 conditions, Torticollis, Plagiocephaly, DDH and Club Feet can be treated effectively by Paediatric Physiotherapy. The Key is Early Diagnosis and Early Intervention. So if your baby is having treatment to correct their head tilt or flattened head shape, make sure you ask your therapist to screen baby’s hips for DDH and baby’s feet for Talipes.

If you are concerned about your baby’s head shape, head tilt, hips or feet and would like a comprehensive Newborn Baby Check with one of our Expert Paediatric Physiotherapists, ring My Favourite Physio on (02) 9790 4233 or DM us @myfavouritephysio today!