What is Plagiocephaly?

Plagiocephaly, also known as Flat Head Syndrome, refers to the appearance of a flat area on your baby’s head. Sometimes deformities can occur before a baby is even born because of restricted space in the womb. Deformities can also occur during birth, as the baby travels through the birth canal causing a temporary cranial deformity which usually improves naturally without any need for treatment. The exception occurs when the baby has a head position preference or is consistently positioned in a way that exerts pressure on one particular area of the head.

Early detection is key

The most important approach to addressing babies showing signs of plagiocephaly is early detection and treatment/advice. It is possible to achieve full resolution if problems are identified within the first 4 – 6 weeks of a baby’s life. The longer it takes to detect the plagiocephaly, the more difficult it is to achieve optimum results. Now there are more ways to allow parents to screen for plagiocephaly, through home screening and/or by booking an appointment in the clinic.

How can Osteopathy help?

How can Osteopathy help?

At the osteopathy clinic Julie routinely measures all baby’s heads for asymmetry using the Skully Care app (https://en.skullycare.com/), which allows early detection of even the mildest presentations. Osteopaths use their hands to identify subtle signs of restricted movement patterns that may be contributing to a baby having a preferred head position. Osteopaths also have the skills to gently release restrictive movement patterns within the musculoskeletal system of the baby which allows them to be positioned more comfortably. The osteopath will also provide the parents with exercises, information and positioning advice specific to their baby.

How is the baby’s head measured?

How is the baby’s head measured?

Skully Care is a photographic application (https://en.skullycare.com/) used to take accurate measurements of the baby’s head from which the Cranial Vault Asymmetry Index (CVAI) and Cephalic Index (CI) can be calculated. These measurements can provide the practitioner, and parents, with a highly sensitive method for detection of early signs of plagiocephaly and a user-friendly means of monitoring progress.

How can Parents help?

How can Parents help?

Now Skully Care is available as an at-home pre-check to help parents decide what their baby needs by just using their phone. https://en.skullycare.com/for-parents
Take one guided photo and, in minutes, see:
1. If there are any early signs of deformity
2. Objective numbers to track progress over time
3. Simple visuals you can share with the Julie Ellwood Clinic to decide if further evaluation is indicated.

How the at-home pre-check parent app works – 3 simple steps

How the at-home pre-check parent app works – simple 3 steps

Step What to Do What Happens
1. Measure Download the Skully Care app  (links below) and take a guided photo of your baby’s head The app securely uploads your image for analysis.
2. Pay  Make the payment on the website (€12.50 per scan) Skully Care calculates symmetry, shape index, and growth pattern.
3. Find Out What’s Next Receive your result in minutes See clear visuals showing how even your baby’s head shape is and what small steps can help.

You can also share the scan directly with your osteopath or other healthcare professional for expert guidance. If you have any concerns about your baby’s head shape, or if you’d like to discuss the results and get personal advice, you can schedule an appointment with one of the osteopaths at the Julie Ellwood Clinic. A pre-check will help you decide easily.

App Store: https://apps.apple.com/nl/app/skully-care/id1487915804?l=en-GB

Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hoofdmaatje.skullycare&pcampaignid=web_share