Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body.

Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel and interpret a very delicate, rhythmic shape-change that exists in all body tissues. This ‘Involuntary Motion’ or ‘Cranial Rhythm,’ comes about due to the particular movement of cerebrospinal fluid bathing the spinal cord and the pull of the soft tissue connections on the cranial bones. Tension in the body, resulting from stress, strain or injury, disrupts the cranial rhythm. This may result in difficulties such as back and neck pain, joint pain, headaches, migraines and sinus problems, period pains, digestive disorders or an increased susceptibility to recurrent infections.

• The cranial approach is very gentle and suitable for everyone. In particular it is used during pregnancy, for new mothers, babies and young children. It is ideal for the elderly or others in a delicate state for whom the more physical approach of structural osteopathy may be unsuitable.  Treatment is so gentle that you may not even be aware of what is happening. You may sense a pressure or just the contact of the practitioner’s hands. Treatment is usually focussed on the head but may extend to the sacrum and pelvis or other parts of the body. Most patients find treatment relaxing and peaceful, babies will often fall asleep – but not always!

• Birth is one of the most stressful events of our lives. The uterus exerts enormous forces as it pushes to expel the baby against the natural resistance of the birth canal. The baby has to turn and twist as it squeezes through the bony pelvis on its short but highly stimulating and potentially stressful journey. The bones of the head flex and overlap during this process – many of us can bear witness to some of the resulting odd-shaped heads! After delivery the skull gradually regains its normal shape. However this unmoulding process may be incomplete, especially if the birth has been difficult, and may result in excessive crying, colic, sleeping or feeding problems and potentially lead to future learning or behavioural difficulties.

• In infants and children cranial osteopathy can be used to effectively treat conditions such as colic and other digestive problems, sleeplessness, breathing difficulties, restlessness and irritability. It is particularly helpful in treating ear, nose and throat problems, including ‘glue ear’.

Patients will usually be asked to simply lie still during treatment. If you are thinking of bringing an active child or a wriggling baby and wonder how on earth you are going to get them to stay still for a minute, let alone half an hour, don’t panic! Treatment can be performed in shorter stints and adapted to accommodate the patients’ individual needs. Indeed we relish the challenge of treating the more active or uncooperative small patient!

DR HASNAIN CHANDOO MD BSc Hons Ost Med (BCNO ’01)

The General Osteopathic Council (GOsC) requires members to have completed a minimum of 4 years training, to follow a programme of continuing professional development and adhere to a strict code of conduct. Cranial osteopaths undertake postgraduate training in this special discipline. For further information visit osteopathy.org.uk