Helmet Therapy
What happens after the HKM Pro cranial helmet is fitted? Follow-up visit schedule, how the helmet is adjusted and what to expect during treatment.
Overview: What to Expect During HKM Pro Treatment
Starting cranial helmet therapy with the HKM Pro is just the beginning of a structured journey. The follow-up process is as important as the helmet itself — regular visits and careful monitoring ensure that your baby's skull is growing in the right direction throughout treatment.
All follow-up care is carried out at CranioWell Ortez Protez Centres by our specialist team.
Visit 1: Fitting Day
- 3D scan of your baby's head — takes just a few minutes, no radiation
- The HKM Pro helmet is delivered and fitted to your baby
- Our specialist checks for any pressure points, redness or areas of poor fit
- You receive full training on how to put the helmet on, take it off, and clean it
- The wearing schedule is explained: 23 hours/day, 1 hour for bathing and skin care
Subsequent Visits: Every 2–4 Weeks
As your baby's head grows, the inner surface of the helmet fills in. Our specialists adjust the helmet at each visit by carefully removing material to open new growth space in the right areas. Without these adjustments, the helmet would simply stop working.
At each visit we also:
- Re-assess the head shape to measure progress
- Check skin condition under the helmet
- Answer any questions from parents
What Parents Monitor at Home
- Skin condition — check for redness or irritation each time the helmet is removed
- Fit — the helmet should sit snugly but not tightly; if it feels too tight or too loose, contact the centre
- Wear time — keep track of the 23-hour schedule; consistency is essential for results
When to Contact the Centre
Contact CranioWell immediately if you notice:
- Persistent skin redness or open areas under the helmet
- The helmet rocking or fitting very loosely (sign the baby has outgrown the current fit)
- Your baby showing unusual discomfort, crying more than usual when the helmet is on
- Any damage to the helmet
End of Treatment
Treatment is complete when the head shape reaches the target symmetry or when further growth potential is too limited for additional benefit. At the final visit:
- A final 3D scan is taken and compared to the baseline scan from day one
- Head shape improvement is documented
- Post-treatment guidance is provided (sleep position, tummy time, monitoring)
Treatment typically lasts 3 to 6 months depending on the baby's age at start and the severity of the deformity.
Get Started
Have questions or want to book an assessment? Call us at 0551 706 87 19 or use our online pre-assessment form.