Cranial osteopathy is a very safe and gentle. It is based on a system of healthcare based on the knowledge that there is an innate rhythm in the bones of the skull, in the form of a slight expansion and contraction. This has become known as the involuntary motion, which affects all tissues of the body.
This rhythm alters with various states of the body. When the body tissues are placed under stress or trauma, the rhythm becomes disrupted. These disruptions may occur over many years and the person concerned may develop various methods of compensation. However sometimes these adaptations and compensations break down, and symptoms may start - often with little apparent cause.

Cranial osteopaths learn to feel these very subtle, rhythmical shape changes. Such tension in the body will disrupt this rhythm. Cranial Osteopathy attempts to correct and release this tension, gently releasing tension and stress throughout the body it is possible to treat a variety of conditions.

Cranial osteopathy can be used both for adults and children. It is a holistic form of healing, as the problems generated by one area of the body will have an impact over other areas of the body. Hence it is important to find the root cause and treat that and not just the symptoms.

Cranial osteopathy is suitable for patients with the following conditions

• back and neck pain
• joint pain
• headaches (neck related) and migraine

Are there conditions we've not mentioned? Please contact us for more information.

A full case history will be taken, including past medical conditions, previous injuries and illnesses, as-well as the current problems. Also when babies and very young children are being treated it is important to know as much as possible about the mother’s pregnancy and the delivery.

More information is better than less, hence we ask people to think about this side of their history prior to attending for their first session. Generally an examination will include assessing the body  framework, so it is often necessary to get partially undressed. However if you are uncomfortable with this please speak to your practitioner so that you can agree on a way forward.

Cranial treatment is very gentle and usually involves you lying down while the osteopath holds different parts of your body. The examination and treatment will often start with the osteopath holding your head.

Osteopaths who practice these cranial techniques use their highly developed sense of palpation (feeling) to detect and assess changes. Very gentle pressure to the affected areas then releases the disruption patterns that have developed.