Cranial Osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that uses very gentle manipulative pressure to encourage the release of stresses throughout the body, including the head.
It is extremely effective in treating a wide range of conditions in people of all ages, from birth to old age.
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. “Cranial Osteopath” is the name by which osteopaths who work at the more gentle, subtle end of the spectrum of different treatment approaches, have become known.
Osteopaths may have different specialities including sports injuries, paediatrics, visceral (treating the internal organs of the body). Cranial Osteopathy embraces all of these.
An Osteopath takes a detailed medical history from the patient followed by a careful examination. He/she 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 is to relieve the current symptoms and also improve the underlying health of the tissues as far as possible in order that they do not recur. This type of treatment is suitable for everyone from newborn babies to the very elderly, being extremely gentle.
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 deeply relaxed.
Osteopathic treatment is aimed not only at the relief of symptoms, but towards helping the body function better in all respects.
Patients often report an improvement in general well being, energy levels, sleep patterns and also in areas of symptoms other that those that brought them to the Osteopath in the first place.
It is a common belief that babies and children should have no structural stresses or strains in their bodies, because they are 'so young'. The reality is very different.
The birth of a baby is one of the most stressful events of our lives. The baby is subjected to enormous forces, as the uterus 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 baby´s head has the remarkable ability to absorb these stresses in a normal delivery. In order to reduce the size of the head, the soft bones overlap, bend and warp as the baby descends. The baby's chin is normally well tucked down towards its chest to reduce the presenting diameter of the head.
Many babies are born with odd shaped heads as a result. In the first few days, the head can usually be seen to gradually lose the extreme moulded shape, as the baby suckles, cries and yawns. However, this unmoulding process is often incomplete, especially if the birth has been difficult. As a result, the baby may have to live with some very uncomfortable stresses within its head and body.
Reactions to treatment are variable, often the baby or child is very relaxed afterwards and sleeps well. Others have a burst of energy after treatment, usually followed by a good nights sleep. Occasionally children are unsettled after treatment. This is a temporary situation, and is usually caused when the release of the retained moulding has been incomplete. It is not always possible for all the retained moulding compression to release in one session, especially if it has been severe.
On average, 4-6 treatments are sufficient. This varies according to the severity of the problem.
The younger the better, it is never too early to treat. For best results, treatment should be before the age of 5 years. After this, the stresses and asymmetries can often not be completely eliminated, but it is still possible to achieve beneficial release of the stresses throughout life.
What to treat.
In babies:
Crying and irritability
Feeding problems
Sickness, colic and wind
Sleep disturbances
As the child grows:
General Infections and ill-health
Ear infections and "Glue Ear"
Sinus and Dental problems
Behavioural problems and learning difficulties
Headaches, aches and pains
Asthma and breathing difficulties
The above information was written by Elizabeth C Hayden D.O. ,
and more information can be found on the Sutherland Cranial College website, listed below.
(Please see the "Osteopathy" page for a profile of each osteopathic practitioner working in the Clinic)
Practice Hours
| Monday | 9.30 to 2:30pm | Louise Beland | 2.30 to 6:30 pm | Ros Jones |
| Tuesday | 9.30 to 2:30pm | Louise Beland | 2.30 to 7:00 pm | Liz Yeardley |
| Wednesday | 9.30 to 2:30pm | Louise Beland | 2.30 to 7:00 pm | Liz Yeardley |
| Thursday | 9.30 to 2:30pm | Louise Beland | ||
| Friday | 2.30 to 7:00 pm | Jorge Esteves |