Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What is torticollis?
In infants, torticollis means that there is some tightness in the baby’s neck muscles causing them to favor an abnormal neck position. Often, this is caused by the infant’s position en utero, but it may also develop in early infancy from how a baby is held or positioned. With torticollis, the infant usually has a preference for turning their head a certain direction and or their head is consistently tilted to one side. This often leads to head flattness (plagiocephaly) and changes in the baby's face.
Question: What is plagiocephaly?
Plagiocephaly is a term describing an irregular head shape with flatness in one area. There are a few different types of plagiocephaly depending on where the flatness is located. As the flatness progresses, there are often changes seen in the baby’s face, including asymmetries in ear position, cheek fullness, and eye size.
Question: Can I change my baby’s head shape without a helmet?
Yes! However, timing is key. Infant head shape is most mobile and adaptable before 4 months of age. At that point, babies begin to roll and are not sleeping on their back where positioning interventions can make the most difference.
Question: When are helmets necessary?
Depending on the severity of plagiocephaly and timing of intervention, helmets may be needed to apply an external force to the baby’s skull in order to fix the flatness.
Question: Does my baby need PT if he/she is already in a helmet?
Very likely, yes. Babies with plagiocephaly often have plagiocephaly due to limitations in neck movement (torticollis) or deficits in strength. While helmets can help to change the baby’s head shape, they do not fix the core issues that contribute to the baby’s torticollis or weaknesses that may affect the baby’s gross motor development.
Question: Do you treat anything besides torticollis and plagiocephaly?
Possibly! We are happy to discuss your concerns and see if PT with us would be a good fit. Please email Amy at amy@happyheadspt.com and we’ll go from there!
Question: How long should I expect my baby to need PT?
This all depends on the age of the infant when assessed and the severity of their torticollis/plagiocephaly. Unfortunately, we will only be able to answer this once the infant is evaluated. Typically, you can expect a minimum of 6 weeks of therapy. We then set up a follow up plan to help ensure baby is developing as expected.
Question: Is PT painful for the baby?
No! We firmly believe that PT needs to be a positive experience for both the infant and the parent. If the baby is not comfortable or fighting physical therapy, it can be counter productive. We have lots of tricks up our sleeves to make PT enjoyable and comfortable and our techniques are gentle and effective.
Question: How does private pay work?
We are in network with BCBS IL PPO. If you would like services and do not have BCBS IL PPO or do not wish to use insurance, we offer competitive self-pay rates. We accept FSA and HSA cards. Virtual consultations are available and are not billed to insurance and cost $30. In-home physical therapy evaluations cost $200 and follow up visits are $150.
Question: Do I need a prescription from a pediatrician?
No. In the state of Illinois, physical therapists can evaluate and treat patients without a prescription from a doctor. However, it is our preference to be in close communication with your baby's pediatrician regarding their care, and so we will reach out to them about starting therapy and send them our reports.