Cranial osteopathy

20 September, 2011

Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel a very subtle, rhythmical shape change that is present in all body tissue; this is called the cranial rhythm. Cranial osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment. It is a gentle treatment that benefits a wide range of conditions and ages, from the newborn to the elderly.

What conditions is it used for?

While it can be highly effective at relieving symptoms cranial osteopathy aims to treat the whole person not just the condition, so a very wide range of situations may benefit from treatment.

These may include back and neck pain; joint pain and sports injuries; headaches, migraines and sinus problems; stress; recurrent infection; period pain; digestive difficulties; and treatment may also benefit general health and well-being. In babies and children many problems such as crying, colic, sleeping and feeding difficulties may be helped.

What to expect

Your osteopath will ask in detail about various aspects of your symptoms and general health. They may require you to remove your outer clothing so they can examine and assess your body movements as you stand and move. The hands on techniques are gentle and relaxing, though most people experience some soreness after treatment, similar to that felt after exercise.