Guest guest Posted November 15, 2004 Report Share Posted November 15, 2004 Hi there I have not used either bands, but you can go to the file section. They have a comparison document of both bands. Sandy Willow's Mom torticollis resolved Cranio Germany Grad --- In Plagiocephaly , " flewtst " <Chucksue@a...> wrote: > > Is anyone using the STAR band? I hear so much wonderful info. about > the DOC band but the nearest place is so far away. Any success or > complaint about the STAR band? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2004 Report Share Posted November 15, 2004 thanks so much. I'll check that! "Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2004 Report Share Posted November 15, 2004 My son is in the STARBand and don't have any experience with DOCBand. But I really have had a good experience with the STARBand. They scan the head instead of cast which takes about 30 seconds, it comes in all sorts of designs and he has had very few red spots. He does not sleep well in it but that may just be a helmet in general. I should note that my son is only 5 months and needs to have it on 8 weeks. But I have only good things to say about it. Good Luck >From: " flewtst " <Chucksue@...> >Reply-Plagiocephaly >Plagiocephaly >Subject: STARband vs. DOCband >Date: Mon, 15 Nov 2004 00:34:23 -0000 > Is anyone using the STAR band? I hear so much wonderful info. about the DOC band but the nearest place is so far away. Any success or complaint about the STAR band? Thanks! For more plagio info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2004 Report Share Posted November 15, 2004 We have quite a few happy STARband parents. I'm sure they will chime in. The one thing you need to check is the experience level of the ortho. Experience is key. We have some questions to ask in the links section. Orthomerica's Questions for Parents to Ask a Prospective OrthotistFeel free to print out this list of questions and refer to them during your initial consultation with the orthotist. Establishing and maintaining open lines of communication will enhance yours and your child's experience with a cranial remolding orthosis.http://www.orthomerica.com/products/cranial/cranial_questions.htm Cranial Tech's Questions to Ask the Doctor or Orthotist:The quality of treatment available varies widely for children with plagiocephaly. One way to avoid pitfalls is to be aware of them. Print this page and use it for your research.http://www.cranialtech.com/Treatment/selecting.html American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) The public deserves assurance that the persons providing orthotic and prosthetic care are qualified to provide the appropriate services. To locate an ABC certified practitioner, registered assistant, registered technician, registered fitter, or accredited O & P and mastectomy care facility, use the Directory Search in the left hand column of the site.http://www.abcop.org/ Questions To Ask The Doctor and Orthotist/Clinician Once an official diagnosis is made and a course of treatment is planned, many children are referred to an Orthotist or Treatment Facility in order to obtain cranial orthosis. Here is a list of questions to ask the Orthotist/Clinician. http://www.cappskids.org/QuestionsForTheDoctorAndOrthotist.htm Questions for the DoctorIt is important to ask any questions that concern you. WRITE DOWN the questions you want to ask, and take a pen (or a mini tape recorder) with you so you can write down the answers given. Here are some suggested questions for you doctor and/or orthotist. Please feel free to print this page...http://www.plagiocephaly.org/support/questions.htm We also have some B & A pictures of STARBAnd babies in the photo section. Where are you located? We may have a local tht has used the same ortho. mom to na DOC Grad flewtst <Chucksue@...> wrote: Is anyone using the STAR band? I hear so much wonderful info. about the DOC band but the nearest place is so far away. Any success or complaint about the STAR band? Thanks!For more plagio info Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2004 Report Share Posted November 15, 2004 Hello, The STARband can be every bit as successful as the DOCband, but only if in the right hands. We've had both great and horrible stories that parents on this board can share with you about the STARband. The most important thing with the STARband is that you make sure your orthotist is experienced in using that band and treating plagio babies. The reason you dont' hear the horror stories about the DOCbands is that their company requires intensive special training at their corporate headquarters for all their orthotists. Unfortunately this isn't the case with STARbands, so if they are used by an inexperienced ortho they can actually make the head worse. So, the best thing you can do is really do your homework and if you're not confident in your ortho's skills, it may be worth the extra travel time. Where are you located? Maybe someone in your area can help give you some insight. , mom to Hannah, DOCgrad Cape Cod, Ma --- In Plagiocephaly , " flewtst " <Chucksue@a...> wrote: > > Is anyone using the STAR band? I hear so much wonderful info. about > the DOC band but the nearest place is so far away. Any success or > complaint about the STAR band? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 15, 2004 Report Share Posted November 15, 2004 Hello Please ask ALOT of questions and make sure that you feel comfortable with the orthotist making/adjusting your child's STARband. Call them and talk to them before even going there. That said, we had a great experience with the STARband. Good luck and keep doing your research! Sue Colin F., 13 mos. STARband grad 9/04 brachy > > Is anyone using the STAR band? I hear so much wonderful info. about > the DOC band but the nearest place is so far away. Any success or > complaint about the STAR band? Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2005 Report Share Posted January 6, 2005 Hi - my son Isaac is scheduled to get casted for a StarBand in two weeks, and I was just doing research about it and found a website that talks about the DOC band and how much better it is than the STAR band. Any advice - The closest location that does a DOC band is 2.5 hours away - are people generally happy with the STAR band? Thanks! , mom to Issac, Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, and positional Plagiocephaly due to hemihypertrophy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2005 Report Share Posted January 6, 2005 Hi , Welcome to the group. In the files section there is a document comparing the two. It's titled ComparisionChart.rtf The difference between the DOC and the STAR is the person using it. Experience is a MUST and is KEY to correction. With the DOCband you're guaranteed to get an experienced orthotist. Treating plagio babies is all they do and they're the best in the business. The STARband is a great product, in the right hands. It is a must that you interview your orthotist. Ask how many babies he/she has successfully banded. Ask for references and before and after pictures he/she has treated. Where are you going for your baby's STARband? Maybe we have someone here that has used the place you're going to and will share their experience with you. Please keep us posted. --- In Plagiocephaly , " mammamilk " <mammamilk@y...> wrote: > > Hi - my son Isaac is scheduled to get casted for a StarBand in two > weeks, and I was just doing research about it and found a website > that talks about the DOC band and how much better it is than the STAR > band. Any advice - The closest location that does a DOC band is 2.5 > hours away - are people generally happy with the STAR band? Thanks! > > , mom to Issac, Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, and positional > Plagiocephaly due to hemihypertrophy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2005 Report Share Posted January 6, 2005 Hi . I don't know that one band in and of itself is better than the other. The difference is in the person who is providing your treatment with it. Cranial Tech ONLY does DOC bands so their people are extensicely trained in how to provide treatment with a DOC band. Starband providers often provide other orthotic services and so sometimes have less experience with cranial orthosis treatment. What you need to do, if you are considering using a Starband is to ask the Starband orthotist A LOT of questions about their experience. Hope this helps.... Becky, mom to , repo grad in Pgh, PA --- In Plagiocephaly , " mammamilk " <mammamilk@y...> wrote: > > Hi - my son Isaac is scheduled to get casted for a StarBand in two > weeks, and I was just doing research about it and found a website > that talks about the DOC band and how much better it is than the STAR > band. Any advice - The closest location that does a DOC band is 2.5 > hours away - are people generally happy with the STAR band? Thanks! > > , mom to Issac, Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, and positional > Plagiocephaly due to hemihypertrophy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2005 Report Share Posted January 6, 2005 Hi , I see that has already answered your question. Welcome to the group and please share Isaac's story with us when you have a chance. Natasha Atlanta, GA --- In Plagiocephaly , " mammamilk " <mammamilk@y...> wrote: > > Hi - my son Isaac is scheduled to get casted for a StarBand in two > weeks, and I was just doing research about it and found a website > that talks about the DOC band and how much better it is than the STAR > band. Any advice - The closest location that does a DOC band is 2.5 > hours away - are people generally happy with the STAR band? Thanks! > > , mom to Issac, Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, and positional > Plagiocephaly due to hemihypertrophy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2005 Report Share Posted January 6, 2005 my daughter is in a star band and has been in it since oct 29 and we have seen awesome results. the orthos are awesome also. good luck in your decision angela el cajon ca tort/ plagio --- In Plagiocephaly , " mammamilk " <mammamilk@y...> wrote: > > Hi - my son Isaac is scheduled to get casted for a StarBand in two > weeks, and I was just doing research about it and found a website > that talks about the DOC band and how much better it is than the STAR > band. Any advice - The closest location that does a DOC band is 2.5 > hours away - are people generally happy with the STAR band? Thanks! > > , mom to Issac, Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, and positional > Plagiocephaly due to hemihypertrophy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 6, 2005 Report Share Posted January 6, 2005 , There are some differences in business models among the different helmet/band companies that may be of interest to you. There are varying requirements in ortho experience and training between companies, so it's best to interview any ortho you are considering extensively, since you aren't guaranteed one with extensive, or any, training/experience in cranial banding. Here are some links to questions you should ask: Cranial Tech's Questions to Ask the Doctor or Orthotist: The quality of treatment available varies widely for children with plagiocephaly. One way to avoid pitfalls is to be aware of them. Print this page and use it for your research. http://www.cranialtech.com/Treatment/selecting.html Orthomerica's Questions for Parents to Ask a Prospective Orthotist Feel free to print out this list of questions and refer to them during your initial consultation with the orthotist. Establishing and maintaining open lines of communication will enhance yours and your child's experience with a cranial remolding orthosis. http://www.orthomerica.com/products/cranial/cranial_questions.htm Questions To Ask The Doctor and Orthotist/Clinician Once an official diagnosis is made and a course of treatment is planned, many children are referred to an Orthotist or Treatment Facility in order to obtain cranial orthosis. Here is a list of questions to ask the Orthotist/Clinician. http://www.cappskids.org/QuestionsForTheDoctorAndOrthotist.htm Questions for the Doctor It is important to ask any questions that concern you. WRITE DOWN the questions you want to ask, and take a pen (or a mini tape recorder) with you so you can write down the answers given. Here are some suggested questions for you doctor and/or orthotist. Please feel free to print this page... http://www.plagiocephaly.org/support/questions.htm Good luck in your evaluation process, and let us know if we can help you with any information. I noticed you hadn't yet posted back with the Starband facility you have an appt. with... perhaps someone in the group has experience there and can give you some tips and feedback. Take care, Christie (Mom to Repo'd Remy) --- In Plagiocephaly , " mammamilk " <mammamilk@y...> wrote: > > Hi - my son Isaac is scheduled to get casted for a StarBand in two > weeks, and I was just doing research about it and found a website > that talks about the DOC band and how much better it is than the STAR > band. Any advice - The closest location that does a DOC band is 2.5 > hours away - are people generally happy with the STAR band? Thanks! > > , mom to Issac, Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, and positional > Plagiocephaly due to hemihypertrophy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2005 Report Share Posted January 7, 2005 Hi , welcome to the group! I see that you have already got great responses so I will just add our experience. My son wore a STARband from 9-12 mos. old and we saw great improvement and did not have any problems at all with red marks or skin irritation. Our orthotist was very experienced and was absolutely wonderful with children. I hope you have a positive experience too. However, should you find out anything negative at all before you have your casting apptm't (because of course there *might* be some bad apples out there) I personally would consider doing the 2.5 hr drive to CT. Just do some homework and be comfortable with your decision. See if they have any before & after photos (most don't). Ask them how many STARbands they do per year, etc. The nearest CT to me is 4 hrs. and I would've done it if I hadn't found an experienced STARband provider near us (1 hr). Good luck and have no fear. You are doing the right thing for Isaac. Sue Colin F., 15 mos. STARband grad --- In Plagiocephaly , " mammamilk " <mammamilk@y...> wrote: > > Hi - my son Isaac is scheduled to get casted for a StarBand in two > weeks, and I was just doing research about it and found a website > that talks about the DOC band and how much better it is than the STAR > band. Any advice - The closest location that does a DOC band is 2.5 > hours away - are people generally happy with the STAR band? Thanks! > > , mom to Issac, Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, and positional > Plagiocephaly due to hemihypertrophy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 7, 2005 Report Share Posted January 7, 2005 , I see you have already gotten tons of awesome advise. I just wanted to 2nd that the key to any successful band (any brand) is an experienced orthotist. Please let us know how the casting goes. --- In Plagiocephaly , " mammamilk " <mammamilk@y...> wrote: > > Hi - my son Isaac is scheduled to get casted for a StarBand in two > weeks, and I was just doing research about it and found a website > that talks about the DOC band and how much better it is than the STAR > band. Any advice - The closest location that does a DOC band is 2.5 > hours away - are people generally happy with the STAR band? Thanks! > > , mom to Issac, Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome, and positional > Plagiocephaly due to hemihypertrophy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 I think the ortho/clinician is more important than which band. My daughter wore a starband for severe brachy. Our ortho was very experience and she had good results. she wore the band for 5 mo (age 5 to 10 mo). You can see her pics under Our Plagio Babies S/Sydney M. Docband has a very good reputation since they do only banding - their staff is generally well trained. Starbands are from orthomerica, and orthos may do a lot of bands, or not too many. I would probably visit both, ask a lot of questions and go with who ever you are more comfortable with. For us the starband provider was local, and CT is 400 miles away. Also when I started this, I didn't even know about my options, so luckily we ended up with a good ortho. YOu may also want to consider your insurance coverage. Our starband was covered 100%. -christine sydney 22 mo starband grad > > I am trying to decide if we should use the DocBand or the Starband for > my son who is 5.5 months and has been diagnosed with positional > plagiocephaly (brachycephaly to be precise). > Since both are active bands, I am not quite sure how to decide. Could > you please let me know your experience with either band, and your > thoughts on whether the Docband or the Starband would be better for > treating brachy. > Thanks in advance for all your help. This is such a great resource for > people like myself who are only just learning about this. > > -Dee > Son (5.5 months - diagnosed with brachycephaly) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 There's been a lot of posts on this topic here. Both work well, both have been specially designed to provide treatment for infants 3 - 18 months (typically), both have been FDA approved, and both showed great results. I noticed that those locations of Orthomerica STARband have a lot more experience with children which feature STARscanner. I think DOC labs now also use some sort of digital image acquisition technology, otherwise keep in mind that a lot of places still do cast molding which is messy and takes longer. Also, depending on the severity, if you think you may need extended treatment, you may have to order a new band from DOC if your child outgrows the first one. With STARband, they just remove layers of foam inside while the child continues wearing the same band (less hassle). If you're in doubt, I'd request a consult (or at least a facility tour to give you an idea) with both, and then choose which felt more comfortable. Once you get a band, you will have to see that place and those people very regularly for a long time, so you want to make sure you feel at ease asking questions or sharing concerns. The main factor should be the experience, of course! Best of luck whichever you choose! I'm sure the results will be great with either. > > I am trying to decide if we should use the DocBand or the Starband for > my son who is 5.5 months and has been diagnosed with positional > plagiocephaly (brachycephaly to be precise). > Since both are active bands, I am not quite sure how to decide. Could > you please let me know your experience with either band, and your > thoughts on whether the Docband or the Starband would be better for > treating brachy. > Thanks in advance for all your help. This is such a great resource for > people like myself who are only just learning about this. > > -Dee > Son (5.5 months - diagnosed with brachycephaly) > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 6, 2007 Report Share Posted November 6, 2007 Just to clarify a somthing from 's mail... Both Star and Doc bands are adjusted by removing foam from the inside. There are two differences to mention related to this... - Starbands have thicker foam allowing more to be removed, and therefore the band can usually be worn longer. - Cranial Tech (docband) feels the holding power of the band is reduced over time, and that the band won't be as effective beyond 16 weeks so they limit wearing the band to that time (even if there is still foam left). Some babies do need multiple bands, but that is only around 15% of the babies they treat. -christine sydney 22 mo starband grad > > > > I am trying to decide if we should use the DocBand or the Starband for > > my son who is 5.5 months and has been diagnosed with positional > > plagiocephaly (brachycephaly to be precise). > > Since both are active bands, I am not quite sure how to decide. Could > > you please let me know your experience with either band, and your > > thoughts on whether the Docband or the Starband would be better for > > treating brachy. > > Thanks in advance for all your help. This is such a great resource for > > people like myself who are only just learning about this. > > > > -Dee > > Son (5.5 months - diagnosed with brachycephaly) > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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