Helmet Therapy
Cranial Helmet Therapy: How It Works, Who Applies It
Cranial helmet therapy corrects baby head shape deformities. Learn how the HKM Pro works, at what age it's applied and what the treatment process looks like.
What Is Cranial Helmet Therapy?
Cranial helmet therapy — also known as cranial orthosis — is a non-surgical treatment for positional head shape deformities in babies. When repositioning exercises and tummy time are not sufficient, a custom-fitted helmet gently guides the skull into a more symmetrical shape as the baby grows.
At CranioWell Ortez Protez Centres, we manufacture and apply the HKM Pro cranial shaping helmet. The HKM Pro is produced in Turkey, developed at Hacettepe Teknokent R&D, protected by Turkish Patent, and registered with ÜTS & EUDAMED.
Which Conditions Does Helmet Therapy Treat?
- Plagiocephaly — asymmetrical flattening on one side of the skull
- Brachycephaly — bilateral flattening at the back of the head
- Scaphocephaly — elongated, narrow head shape
The helmet does not squeeze the skull. It creates space on the flat side so the skull grows into a more rounded form, while lightly contacting the protruding areas to slow growth there.
How the HKM Pro Works
Every HKM Pro begins with a 3D scan of your baby's head — no radiation, no plaster moulds. The helmet is then custom-produced to millimetre precision. It is worn 23 hours a day, with a 1-hour break for bathing and skin care. This schedule is essential because the skull grows continuously, day and night.
What Is the Ideal Age to Start?
The ideal window is 4 to 6 months. At this stage the skull is growing fastest and responds best to gentle guidance. Helmet therapy can be considered up to 18 months, but effectiveness decreases as the skull sutures begin to close.
How Long Does Treatment Last?
Typically 3 to 6 months, depending on starting age and the severity of the deformity. Babies who begin at 4–5 months often complete treatment in about 3 months; older babies may require up to 6 months.
Where Is the HKM Pro Applied?
The HKM Pro cranial shaping helmet is applied exclusively at CranioWell Ortez Protez Centres. Our specialists carry out the 3D scan, produce the helmet, fit it and manage all follow-up visits.
Quality & Certification
- Hacettepe Teknokent R&D — developed under academic and clinical supervision
- Turkish Patent — registered design and technology
- ÜTS & EUDAMED — official medical device registrations in Turkey and Europe
- 3D scanning — every helmet custom-fitted to your baby's exact head shape
Pricing
Pricing depends on the individual assessment. Contact us for details: 0551 706 87 19 or fill in our online pre-assessment form.