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Hi,

My husband and I just adopted a little girl five weeks ago. We took her to her pediatrician for a checkup and she referred us to Children's Hospital in Seattle for an evaluation. Children's Hospital diagnosed my daughter with left side plagiocephaly and right side torticollis. They recommended helmet treatment and also referred us to a pediatric physical therapist.

My daughter is in the adjustment/bonding period of our relationship and I am not sure this would be the right time to subject her to treatment, she has had to adapt to so many changes in the last five weeks. However she is already 9 1/2 months old and I know I should not delay the treatment much longer.

Children's hospital only uses the Clarren helmet for their treatments. I am not very knowledgeable about helmets/bands, but I do understand there are two different types, "passive and active". I am not sure a passive helmet would be the right decision for my daughter given her age. I was also told she would probably have to wear the Clarren helmet for 7 to 8 months, which seems like a long time to me.

I have been doing some research and have discovered there is another manufacturer that does helmet/band treatment in Seattle. That company is Hanger Orthotics and I would go directly through them for her treatment. I am looking for feedback from anyone who has received treatment or who is currently receiving treatment using either the Clarren helmet or a Hanger band. What age was your child when they started treatment? How long did they receive treatment? Pros and cons of the helmet/band? Difference between passive and active treatment? Were you satisfied with the results?

We have two appointments scheduled for next week, one for a laser scan at Children's and one for a consultation/laser scan at Hanger. I need to make a decision soon so I can cancel one of the appointments. Any feedback you can give me would be appreciated!

Sincerely,

Tamarin