CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY

Cranial Osteopathy is a very gentle form of treatment which uses subtle techniques to identify tissue changes and imbalances. Your Osteopath will use soft, hands on techniques zoning in on rhythmic patterns aiming to re-balance areas of tension.

Cranial Osteopaths palpate for what is known as The Involuntary Mechanism — described within osteopathic theory as a subtle rhythmic motion felt throughout the body — in order to identify areas of restriction, tissue stress and functional imbalance. This cranial rhythmic impulse is understood to relate to the elasticity of the membranes surrounding the central nervous system along with the articular design of the skull and the sacrum. Theoretically, by enhancing the movement of fluid through subtle pressure, connective tissues may be encouraged to release and tension in problematic areas may be reduced.

Cranial Osteopathy is often used on babies due to its gentle nature; however, it is also applicable to adults and can be helpful for both acute and chronic conditions. While often focused around the head, it remains a whole body approach and aims to support overall physiological balance.

Cranial Osteopathy has been used to help manage varying kinds of problems such as muscle tension, headaches and chronic pain.

Please note Cranial Osteopathy is not “Osteopathy for head and neck conditions”. As discussed above, it is a different approach to treatment compared to the more structural osteopathy we provide at Wandsworth Town Osteopathy. Head and neck conditions can be treated by either Osteopathy or Cranial Osteopathy. It is largely a matter of practitioner approach and patient preference, as they differ significantly.

Please book with Alexandra, Li-Leng or Mollie for any adult Cranial treatments.