There is a very gentle form of osteopathic treatment called cranial osteopathy. It is often used to help people of all ages, especially newborns, babies, and children. This blog explores cranial osteopathy, how it works, and what you can expect when you visit a cranial osteopath.
If you’ve ever wondered how such a gentle touch could have such a big impact on the body, you’re not alone. Many people are curious about this form of treatment. Read on to discover how cranial osteopathy can support your health and wellbeing.
The Basics of Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy uses a very light touch to feel and support the body’s natural rhythms and movements. Despite the name, it is not just about the head; it can also be used to treat the spine and related tissues.
Cranial Osteopathy is built on the theory that your body has natural self-healing abilities and these can be enhanced by releasing tension and improving the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a liquid that surrounds and cushions the brain and spinal cord.
Cranial Osteopathy Practitioners use a trained sense of touch to detect subtle rhythmic movements in the body, referred to as “Cranial Rhythms,” and apply gentle pressure to balance these movements and promote healing.
This method is based on the idea that all body parts are connected and that small changes in one area can affect others. The goal is to help the body find balance and restore normal movement. When your body moves freely, it can work better and recover more easily from stress or strain.
Cranial osteopathy is known for its soft, noninvasive techniques. It is especially popular with parents of newborns and babies because it is very gentle and calming.
Exploring the Benefits of Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy is used to support a wide range of musculoskeletal complaints and stress-related symptoms. The techniques used are designed to relax the body, release tension, and restore gentle movement to areas that feel tight or restricted.
Because cranial osteopathy uses such light pressure, it can often be chosen for people who may be more sensitive to touch, including babies, the elderly, or those in pain.
Benefits may include:
- Reduced tension in the head, neck, or spine
- Improved sleep and relaxation
- Better mobility and posture
- Support with recovery after strain or injury
- Relief from jaw tension or facial tightness
Osteopaths take a holistic approach. This means they treat the body as a whole, not just the site of pain. If your head hurts, for example, the root cause might be in your neck, jaw, or even your pelvis. Cranial osteopaths are trained to find these links and help the body recover.
It is important to note that osteopaths do not treat every condition. Their training helps them know when to refer you to another professional. This ensures that you are always receiving the safest and most appropriate care.
How Cranial Osteopathy Works for Babies
Cranial osteopathy is well known for its use in treating newborns and infants. Birth can be a difficult process for both mother and baby. Even in straightforward deliveries, a baby’s head is often compressed during birth. In more complex births, there may be more force or pressure involved. These early stresses may affect how a baby feeds, sleeps, or settles.
Cranial osteopaths use gentle techniques to release tension in a baby’s body and support its natural development.
The treatment is very light and involves no forceful movements. Most babies find it soothing. Parents often say their child sleeps more peacefully or feeds better after treatment. While outcomes vary, many families report positive changes.
Of course, not all concerns can be treated with osteopathy. If a baby shows signs of illness or needs medical care, the osteopath will advise referral to the appropriate service. This is one of the benefits of seeing a regulated, qualified healthcare professional.
Common Uses of Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy is used by people of all ages. Here are some common reasons people seek this form of care:
For Adults:
- Ongoing neck or back discomfort
- Headaches linked to muscle tension or posture
- Jaw tension or teeth grinding
- Stress-related symptoms
- Digestive issues
- Postural problems from desk work or long hours sitting
For Babies and Children:
- Improved general wellbeing and calming
Each person is assessed fully before treatment. Osteopaths take a full case history and may perform various tests to make sure the treatment is safe and suitable.
Cranial techniques are often part of a wider treatment plan. Your osteopath may also give advice on lifestyle, posture, or exercise to support long-term health.
Are there any studies to confirm the efficacy of Cranial Osteopathy?
Several small (but limited) studies have noted patient satisfaction after cranial osteopathy, but the study methods and outcomes have been questioned.
In 2016, a report by the French Physiotherapy Council recommended that French physiotherapists discontinue the use of cranial osteopathy. The report highlighted a lack of clear clinical evidence for the treatment.
A 2016 review study examined the past results of 14 historical studies examining the effectiveness of cranial osteopathy. Researchers concluded that the previous 14 studies were at a high risk of bias (of varying forms). The research outcome was that the Researchers stated the supposed benefits of cranial osteopathy are inconclusive, if not non-existent..
Further studies have been conducted since 2013. A common theme seems to be the small number of patients in the studies (around 30). This limits the ability to build a conclusive body of evidence to support Cranial Osteopathy, unlike traditional Osteopathy, which is recognised and, in some cases, provided through the NHS.
Who can provide you with Cranial Osteopathy?
Some physios, chiropractors and fully qualified osteopaths may practise cranial sacral treatment, but only Osteopaths can use Cranial Osteopathy. Osteopaths will have completed four years of full-time training, including studies in anatomy, physiology, pathology, neurology, and clinical skills. Their first year of study is the same as that of medical doctors. After that, they focus on the musculoskeletal system—the muscles, joints, and bones.
Only someone with the right qualifications, a General Osteopathic Council (GOC) registration, and professional insurance can call themselves an osteopath. This includes those who practise cranial Osteopathy.
Osteopaths are trained to assess and treat many types of health complaints. They also know when it is not safe or suitable to treat someone and will refer patients when needed. In this way, seeing an osteopath is like having a full health check. They do not just look at one area—they assess the whole person.
Osteopaths are Allied Healthcare Professionals. They are part of the same group of regulated health workers as physiotherapists and opticians. They are also first-contact practitioners, which means you do not need a referral from a GP to see one.
At Arc Osteopathy, we can offer Cranial Osteopathy, but more frequently, choose to focus on and offer traditional Structural Osteopathy. We may also suggest and deliver other therapies, such as massage and dry needling, if we identify that these therapies can aid your treatment plan.
If you’re looking for an Osteopath in Croydon, we at Arc Osteopathy can provide professional care in a safe, calm setting.
Final Thoughts
Cranial osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on method that supports the body’s natural balance.
Cranial osteopathy is a popular choice with parents of newborns and infants. However, traditional Osteopathy works equally well, if not better, not only for young patients but also for people of all ages.