Cranial Osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body, including the head. It is a gentle yet extremely effective approach and may be used in a wide range of conditions for individuals of all ages, from birth to old age.

The human skull and face are comprised of several bones, each bone expressing a small amount of movement along the line where it joins its neighbouring bones. Collectively, the bones move, causing a very subtle, rhythmic shape change that is present throughout the head and body. This is known as the involuntary mechanism or the cranial rhythm. Cranial Osteopaths are trained to feel these movements and use gentle but specific hand holds to release compressions in both the head and the rest of the body.

Babies and Children

It is a common belief that babies and children should have no structural stresses or strains on their bodies because they are so 'young'. The reality is often different.

Birth is one of the most stressful events of our lives and the baby is subjected to enormous forces, as the uterus pushes to expel the baby.

The baby's head has the remarkable ability to absorb these stresses in normal delivery. However, if the mother and baby have undergone a more traumatic labour and delivery, the compressions and the duration for which they exist may give rise to several different problems. Aspects of the birth such as long or rapid labour, failure to fully dilate, foetal distress, cord around the neck, emergency Caesarean or the use of ventous or forceps may give rise to skull compressions leading to colic, excessive crying, problems settling, problems feeding and regurgitation.

The presence of a new baby in the world is a big change and the presence of symptoms can be hard to distinguish from 'normal'. A baby having gone through any birth complications is better examined and treated earlier rather than later.

Toddlers and young children can have developmental problems of their own relating to many factors, such as their growth rate and immune system.

Problems such as glue-ear or where there has been a fall or an accident resulting in any force to the head, neck, spine or tail bone are treated in a similar way to earlier problems. If appropriate, muscle stretching, joint moving and exercises can be incorporated.

After treatment, children can be unsettled for 24 - 36 hours, this is normal. However, if you are concerned please don't hesitate to contact us.

In adults, cranial osteopathy can be used in conjunction with structural osteopathy to treat whiplash, stress and tension, cervicogenic headaches, abdominal pain, jaw pain and many more conditions.