Orthotics Appointment

During Nolan's 4 month check up on September 25, I expressed concern regarding the shape of the back of his skull. Looking at him you wouldn't even notice, but looking at his head from above you can see a significant difference. We noticed he seemed to favor laying on the left side of his head when on his back sleeping, which has caused his skull to form abnormally. Our pediatrician referred us to both a physical therapist & to orthotics to get a cranial scan. The physical therapist we've been seeing is in Chaska through Capable Kids & she has been great. Nolan is diagnosed with Torticollis & Plagiocephaly. In lamen terms torticollis is shortened necks muscles/head tipping to one side & plagiocephaly means flattened skull. We started seeing the physical therapist Oct. 5 & will see her weekly until his condition improves. Basically, it is important for Nolan to get as much tummy time & sitting up time as possible to increase the strength in his neck. She has given us tips & stretching exercises we can do to help increase the range of motion in his neck. As Nolan gets older, he seems to get stronger everyday, so I am hoping the therapy will be short term (6 months or less). He is also finally at the stage where he is strong enough & can sit in the exersaucer, so he won't have to be on his back as much.

Today (October 16) we had our appointment with the Orthotics department at Methodist Hospital where Nolan had a 3D scan done of his skull. It was recommended that he get a cranial cap, so it has been ordered & will be fitted on October 30. The doctor has said that normal wear time for the caps is 4-6 months & has to be worn 23 hours/day. I am hoping that he will be done wearing it by his first birthday, but we will just have to wait & see. This age is the most ideal time for an infant to be fitted with a cap because they've developed the strength in their neck to support the cap & also because the skull is most easily reshaped at this age.