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Research into helmet therapy in the UK is still limited. Plagiocephaly is not always managed in the same way across services, and head shape measurements are not routinely recorded during infancy. Because of this, much of the published research comes from outside the UK.

Even so, the available evidence can still help parents and clinicians understand when repositioning may be enough and when helmet therapy may be worth considering.

If you are looking for a general overview first, you can read more about plagiocephaly or explore plagiocephaly treatment.

Conservative treatment compared with helmet therapy

Study: Conducted at Children’s Memorial Hospital, Chicago (2004-2011), analysing 4,378 babies.
Published: Journal of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery (March 2015).

This study compared conservative treatment, such as repositioning and physiotherapy, with helmet therapy.

Results:

  • Conservative treatment (repositioning and physiotherapy):
    • 77.1% achieved complete correction.
    • 15.8% needed to transition to helmet therapy.
    • 7.1% had incomplete correction.
  • Helmet therapy (first-line treatment):
    • 94.4% achieved complete correction.
    • 96.1% of babies who failed conservative therapy later achieved full correction with helmets.

The babies in the helmet group were generally older and had more severe head asymmetry than those in the repositioning group.

Risk factors for treatment failure:

  • Conservative treatment:
    • poor compliance
    • older age
    • prolonged torticollis
    • more severe cranial ratio
    • developmental delay
  • Helmet therapy failure risks:
    • poor adherence
    • older age

This study suggests that helmet therapy may be particularly helpful for babies with more noticeable plagiocephaly or brachycephaly, while repositioning may be more helpful for younger babies with milder head shape differences. Treatment decisions should always be based on the individual baby’s presentation and clinical history.

View research paper here

Helmet therapy compared with no helmet therapy

This study compared babies treated with a helmet with babies who did not receive helmet treatment.

Study details

  • 128 infants enrolled (62 with helmet therapy, 66 without).

Reported results:

    • babies treated with a helmet showed 68% improvement
    • babies without helmet showed 31% improvement
    • babies with more severe asymmetry appeared to benefit most from helmet therapy

These findings add to the wider evidence suggesting that helmet therapy may be helpful for some babies, particularly where asymmetry is more pronounced. Outcomes can vary depending on age, severity and time in treatment.

View research paper here

What do these findings mean for parents?

Research suggests that repositioning may be helpful for younger babies with milder head shape differences, while helmet therapy may be worth considering for babies with more noticeable flattening or asymmetry.

If you are unsure what the right next step is for your baby, you can:

How the LOCband Lite can help with plagiocephaly treatment

Backed by clinical research, LOCband Lite is a non-invasive cranial remoulding helmet designed to support a more balanced head shape over time. Results vary depending on age, severity and daily wear time.

 

“From the very start, everyone at the London Orthotic Consultancy was professional and friendly. Every step of the way was well-explained and the fitting was quick. It only took Magnus one day to get used to the band, and after that, he wasn’t bothered by it at all. And, most importantly, it worked!”

Maria, Magnus’s mother – Plagiocephaly patient

Get in touch for a free online orthotic consultation

We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, with no commitment to proceed with treatment.

 

020 8974 9989
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