The Effectiveness of Osteopathic Treatment in Positional Plagiocephaly

As osteopaths, we are continually expanding our understanding of how best to support the healthy development of infants. One area of growing concern is positional plagiocephaly, a condition characterised by an asymmetrical flattening of the skull. In recent years, the prevalence of positional plagiocephaly has risen significantly, and with it, the need for effective treatment options.

A recent study published by the University of Bari, Italy, highlights the role osteopathic treatment can play in addressing these cranial deformities in infants. With 424 infants enrolled, the study found that both positional plagiocephaly and positional brachycephaly (a related condition) showed significant improvement after a median of just 3 osteopathic sessions.

What is particularly noteworthy is that these improvements were seen early in the child’s development, underscoring the importance of early intervention. The study also highlights the increased risk in preterm neonates and male infants, suggesting that these groups may benefit even more from targeted osteopathic care.

This research reinforces what many of us have seen in our clinical practice—that osteopathy can make a profound difference in the lives of infants facing cranial asymmetries. I encourage practitioners to review this study in more depth and consider how these findings might inform your own approach to treating young patients.

It’s an exciting time in osteopathic medicine, and I believe that this research represents a significant step forward in our understanding of how we can support healthy development in children from the earliest stages of life.