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Preferential head rotation
Baby always turns their head to the same side — even during sleep. This is often the first sign of functional torticollis or asymmetric neck tension.
Paediatric Osteopathy · Positional Flat Head Syndrome
Plagiocephaly:
Act Early — It Matters
Positional plagiocephaly is the flattening of your baby's skull caused by a recurring position. Before 4 months, osteopathy can achieve remarkable results thanks to the natural plasticity of the cranial bones.
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Timing is crucial: before 4 months
Between 0 and 4 months, cranial plasticity is at its highest. This is the ideal window for osteopathy. After 6 months, the bones become more rigid and correction takes longer. Don't wait — seeking help early often avoids the need for a remodelling helmet.
Signs to watch for
These signs often appear in the first few weeks. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the results.
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Visible skull flattening
A flattened area at the back or side of the skull. The ear on the flattened side may appear pushed forward compared to the other one.
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Facial asymmetry
A slight forehead bulge on the same side as the flattened area at the back of the head. The forehead can appear slightly more rounded on one side.
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Neck muscle tension
Resistance when turning the head to one side, with the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle feeling tight or thickened on one side.
What the osteopath does
The session takes place entirely on the table, using extremely gentle techniques. Your baby can be asleep or awake. No abrupt manipulation is ever used.
- ✓Assessment of cranial mobility (occipital, temporal and parietal sutures)
- ✓Release of cervical muscle tension (SCM muscle, sub-occipital muscles)
- ✓Work on sacral mobility and the cranio-sacral connection
- ✓Positioning and babywearing advice to vary your baby's everyday support points
- ✓Overall assessment: rotation, tension, muscle tone
Results and number of sessions
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Before 4 months
3 to 5 sessions spaced 3–4 weeks apart. Visible improvement in head rotation from the first session. Cranial correction takes place over several weeks.
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Between 4 and 8 months
4 to 6 sessions. Results are still satisfactory, but progress is slower. Closer follow-up is needed.
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Beyond 8 months
A specialist opinion is recommended for severe cases. A remodelling helmet may be considered. Osteopathy remains a complementary approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can plagiocephaly correct itself on its own?+
Mild forms can improve spontaneously as your baby's positions become more varied. For moderate to severe forms, active management (osteopathy + repositioning) is needed to prevent a persistent deformation.
Do I have to choose between osteopathy and physiotherapy?+
These two approaches are complementary. Physiotherapy is indicated when there is a genuine muscular torticollis (tightening of the SCM muscle). Osteopathy treats overall cranial, joint and myofascial tension. Both can be carried out at the same time.
My baby is 6 months old and I have only just noticed plagiocephaly — is it too late?+
No. Even after 4 months, osteopathy remains useful for improving cervical and cranial mobility. Correction is slower but still possible. A specialist assessment can be helpful if the deformation is pronounced.
How many sessions are needed for plagiocephaly?+
On average, 3 to 5 sessions for cases managed before 4 months. A follow-up check at 3 months is often recommended. For later cases, the protocol is adapted individually.
How can I tell positional plagiocephaly apart from craniosynostosis?+
Craniosynostosis presents specific signs (a bony ridge along the suture, a very particular head shape) and requires a medical diagnosis. If in doubt, your paediatrician can refer you to a paediatric neurosurgeon. Osteopathy is NOT indicated in cases of craniosynostosis without prior medical advice.
Does your baby have a flat head?
The earlier we start, the faster the results. Don't wait.
Clinics in Paris 15 (75015) and Sèvres (92310).
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