Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial osteopathy is a refined and subtle form 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 people of all ages, from birth to old age.

What is cranial osteopathy?

Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel a very subtle, rhythmical shape change that is present in all body tissues. This is called involuntary motion or the cranial rhythm. The movement is of very small amplitude, and was first described in the early 1900’s by Dr. William G. Sutherland.

Tension in the body disrupts the cranial rhythm, and osteopaths compare what your rhythm is doing to what they consider ideal. This shows them what stresses and strains your body is under at present, and what tensions it may be carrying as a result of its past history. It also gives them an insight into the overall condition of your body, for example if it is healthy, or stressed and tired.

What can cranial osteopathy treat?

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, and general health and well-being.