Plagiocephaly

Correct Your Baby’s Head Shape Naturally with Expert Therapy

Has your baby developed a flat spot on their head? Are you worried about plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)? At Twin Hearts Physical Therapy, we specialize in non-invasive plagiocephaly treatment to improve head shape, symmetry, and overall development.

Early intervention is key—if you’ve noticed flattening on one side of your baby’s head, schedule an evaluation today!

What Is Plagiocephaly?

Plagiocephaly, also called flat head syndrome, occurs when a baby’s head develops a flat area due to prolonged pressure on one side. It is common in infants due to their soft skulls and can result from:

  • Womb positioning – Limited space in the uterus (especially with twins or breech positioning)

  • Prolonged back sleeping – Lying in the same position for long periods

  • Torticollis – Tight neck muscles causing baby to favor one side

  • Baby equipment use – Spending too much time in car seats, swings, or bouncers

While plagiocephaly is not dangerous, if left untreated, it can impact head symmetry, jaw alignment, vision, posture, and development of gross motor skills as your baby grows.

Does Plagiocephaly Go Away on Its Own?

Mild cases of plagiocephaly may improve as your baby becomes more mobile, but moderate to severe cases may require physical therapy and repositioning strategies to correct.

The earlier treatment begins, the better the results! Therapy is most effective before 6 months, while the skull is still soft and growing.

Signs Your Baby May Need Physical Therapy for Plagiocephaly

If your baby has any of these signs, an evaluation is recommended:

  • Flat area on the back or side of the head

  • Ears appear misaligned (one ear is farther forward than the other)

  • One side of the forehead appears more prominent

  • Baby always turns their head to one side

  • Difficulty with tummy time or delayed head control

If you’ve noticed these signs, early intervention can make a big difference and even help you avoid a helmet altogether!

How Plagiocephaly Can Affect Your Baby’s Development

If plagiocephaly is not addressed early, it may lead to:

  • Facial asymmetry – Uneven ear or forehead alignment

  • Torticollis (tight neck muscles) – Baby struggles to turn their head both ways

  • Delayed motor skills – Poor tummy time tolerance and weak neck muscles

  • Difficulty with helmet therapy later – If needed, correction may take longer without early therapy

At Twin Hearts Physical Therapy, we take a gentle, natural approach to improving head shape, muscle function, and overall development.

Plagiocephaly Treatment at Twin Hearts Physical Therapy

Our plagiocephaly therapy program is personalized to your baby’s needs and designed to encourage natural head reshaping.

  • Gentle repositioning techniques – Teaching parents how to encourage balanced head positioning during sleep and awake time

  • Tummy time strategies – Strengthening neck, back, and shoulder muscles to reduce pressure on the skull

  • Physical therapy for torticollis – If needed, we work on improving neck mobility and muscle balance

  • Parental education – Guidance on at-home exercises and best sleep/play positions
    Developmental support – Ensuring age-appropriate motor skills progress smoothly

Many parents worry their baby may need a helmet—but in many cases, therapy and repositioning techniques can improve head shape naturally!

Why Choose Twin Hearts Physical Therapy for Plagiocephaly Treatment?

  • Pediatric Physical Therapy Experts – Specialized in infant head shape therapy

  • Hands-On, Gentle Approach – No pain, just effective, baby-friendly techniques

  • Parental Involvement – Teaching you how to help your baby at home

  • Convenient Location – Serving Glenpool, Tulsa, Bixby, Jenks, Okmulgee, Mounds, and surrounding areas

  • Proven Results – Helping babies achieve better head shape and stronger motor skills

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Plagiocephaly Physical Therapy

  • Mild cases may improve, but physical therapy speeds up the process and prevents long-term asymmetry.

  • Before 6 months is ideal, but improvements can be made up to 12 months.

  • Not always! Many cases improve with therapy and repositioning strategies alone.

  • Most babies show visible improvements within weeks, with full correction over a few months depending on severity.

Schedule an Assessment for Plagiocephaly Treatment Today!

Early treatment leads to faster, better results! If you’re concerned about your baby’s head shape, we’re here to help.