Cranial Osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that uses very gentle manipulative pressure to encourage changes throughout the body, including the head. Osteopaths who use these specialised techniques treat the whole body not just the head.

During their training, Osteopaths are taught a variety of methods and techniques, ranging from the well known ‘high velocity thrust’ with its dramatic clicks, to the very gently applied methods used by so called ‘cranial osteopaths’. Osteopaths vary their treatment methods, depending on their own preference and individual patients’ problems.

 

Osteopaths who work at the more gentle, subtle end of the spectrum of different treatment approaches, have become known as 'Cranial Osteopaths', but they still essentially follow the same principles and are governed by the same guidelines as more traditional osteopaths.
During an examination and treatment, an osteopaths will use their highly trained palpatory skills to detect areas of tension or restriction in the body, and to gently release them to restore a state of balance within the musculoskeletal system of the body.

An Osteopath will take a detailed medical history from the patient followed by a careful examination, including special medical screening tests if appropriate. They will make a diagnosis of what is causing the symptoms, and try to put together the ‘story’ of why they have developed.
Using very subtle and gentle techniques, the accumulated stresses and strains in the body are gradually released.

The aim of treatment is to enable the body to restore its pattern of health, relieve the current symptoms and also improve the underlying health of the tissues as far as possible in order that they do not recur.

FAQ about Cranial Treatment 

 

Q.Is it safe for my baby?

 

A. This type of treatment is suitable for everyone from newborn babies to the very elderly, as it is extremely gentle.

 

Q. What does it feel like?

 

A. Patients may feel sensations of pressure or warmth, either under the osteopaths hands or elsewhere. Most patients feel that gradually the tension is being drawn out of their body and they become very relaxed, and that their breathing is comfortably deep. Some patients are aware of different changes happening such as a floating feeling.

 

Q. How will my baby react to treatment?

 

A. Most babies are relaxed during and after treatment. Some babies are aware of  changes happening and so can become a little unsettled for a few hours after treatment. They then generally settle down for a good sleep.

 

Q. How many treatments will I need?

 

A. It is difficult to say how many treatments you would need as every patient is different. Your osteopath will be able to give you a rough estimate on your first visit and this will be reviewed with consideration of your response to the first treatment.

Jo graduated from the British School of Osteopathy in 1993. She attended her first post graduate course in Cranial Osteopathy in 1996. In 2000, she underwent further training, and in 2002 she enrolled on the Sutherland Cranial College's Pathway for Learning. She completed the Pathway, which involves 9 modules of study and over 300 hours of formal learning in February 2010.

 

She is now a Member of the Sutherland Cranial College (MSCC) and is the only osteopath in North Yorshire (and one of only approx 20 osteopaths in the North of England) with this qualification.

 

All of the Associates at Croft House Clinic have completed at least one post-graduate course in Cranial Osteopathy, and are committed to deveoping their skills in this area. They all integrate cranial techniques into their osteopathic treatments when appropriate.

 

Please see their individual profiles on the Osteopathy Page for further information.