Over 40+ years of pediatric occupational therapy
Calgary Children’s Headshape Clinic
Colman Prosthetics and Orthotics is excited to announce our new Calgary Children’s Headshape Clinic in partnership with Orthomerica and our new clinical expert in pediatric headshape issues. In 2020, one of the headshape clinics in Calgary became unavailable, leaving families in pressing need of guidance for children with head shaped deformities. We are enthusiastic and have been working hard to fill this void in the community.
Judy Mair BSc OT has worked as a pediatric occupational therapist for 40+ years and for the past 15 years she has been a leader in the clinical side of the headshape issues. As well as being an expert on cranial remoulding orthoses (helmets), Judy can provide detailed recommendations for children that do not require a helmet, including repositioning, physiotherapy referral, etc.
Judy will be working alongside our certified Orthotists, Matt Menard BSc CPO (c) and Melissa Church MSc CO (c), to deliver outstanding patient care and effective cranial treatment. Both Matt and Melissa are certified in the STARband Cranial Course and are experienced and practicing Orthotists certified by Orthotics Prosthetics Canada.
Have a closer look at our professionals
FREE ASSESSMENT
Call to book an appointment and have your child’s headshape assessed
by highly experienced professionals.
The assessment is free and includes a detailed 3D scan and report of the head.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Should I be worried about my baby’s head shape?
It is perfectly normal for your baby to have head shape abnormalities. This is often a result of the birth process and should begin to resolve over time, usually within a few weeks.
If you notice any flat spots or more apparent head shape abnormalities, this would be the best time to consult your physician.
What are the signs I should look for on my baby’s head?
The easiest way to get a better idea about the shape of your baby’s head would be to look directly down on the top of your child’s head.
For a visual reference view Starband’s Clinical Assessment of Infant Head Shapes PDF here.
How do I fix my child’s flat head?
Baby’s with abnormal head shapes are perfectly normal, and often the answer is to let nature run it’s course in correcting their head shape.
Outside of the birthing process, abnormal baby head shapes can also be developed by excessive time spent in carriers or laying on their backs. This is why STARband recommends “Tummy Time” to make sure the baby has enough time on their tummy while they are awake and supervised. For Tummy Time activity ideas, please refer to this guide by STARband.
The final approach to baby head shape correction is fitting your baby with a STARband helmet.
How do I know if my baby needs a STARband helmet?
We recommend first consulting with your Physician or with our baby head shape specialist, Judy Mair to properly assess head shape options for your child. If your baby is in the optimum age range (4 – 12 months) to receive care from a STARband helmet, they will be custom fitted with a head shaping helmet to allow adequate room for growth in the flattened areas.
For more head shaping helmet and STARband questions & answers, please refer to STARband’s FAQ page below.
Calgary Children’s Headshape Clinic in partnership with:
WHAT TO EXPECT ON YOUR FIRST VISIT
Your First Visit
Please plan to come 10-15 minutes before your appointment time to complete necessary forms. Want to save time? Print and complete the form below.
Meeting your Specialist
The initial assessment includes a detailed 3D scan and report of the head.
Our highly skilled specialists will make the appropriate suggestions after the scan has been taken. If no helmet is need then optional detailed recommendations including repositioning, physiotherapy referral, etc will be discussed.
We are always available if you have any questions.
Funding/Costs
Many private insurance companies cover the cost of a cranial remoulding orthoses, either fully or partially. Often we are able to direct bill, otherwise we can work with you to help you get reimbursement
Giving you back your freedom and independence.
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