Cranial Osteopathy

About ‘Cranial Osteopathy’

The cranial techniques that we are trained to use as osteopaths, provide us with a very gentle, safe and non intrusive way of viewing the whole body including the head (cranium) hence the name cranial osteopathy. As many osteopaths choose to specialise in this type of work, people are often misled into thinking it is a separate modality. This is not the case, it is part of osteopathy as a whole. Cranial osteopathy is an expansion of the general principles of osteopathy that includes a special understanding of the central nervous system and the surrounding fluid, it’s connective tissue covering and a mechanism called primary respiration. Those who wish to practice cranial osteopathy train intensively through post graduate studies.

All types of cranial work derive from the original work and findings of Dr. W. G. Sutherland, an American osteopath, who in the early 1900’s first pioneered applying osteopathic principles and treatment to the cranium as well as the rest of the body.

Mechanical Dysfunction and Health

Cranial techniques deepen our understanding of the relationship between mechanical dysfunction and health as they require a highly developed sense of touch, to feel subtle changes in shape, tension and tissue quality within the head and body. As an osteopath it is an endlessly fascinating and beneficial way to work and most patients are very aware of the health benefits of receiving this type of treatment.

POST GRADUATE STUDY IN CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY

All of the osteopaths at the practice have pursued post graduate study in Cranial Osteopathy as part of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD). This study has been through the Sutherland Cranial College of Osteopathy (SCCO), the Biodynamic Institute and the Upledger Institute.

Helen Schlotel and Victoria Kent have completed specialist post graduate training in Paediatric Osteopathy and see children of all ages at the clinic each Tuesday and Friday.

RECOGNISING WHEN TO REFER

Our in depth training as osteopaths includes studying pathology and general medicine, as it is important for us to not only recognise conditions that we are able to treat but also those that we can not treat and which need referral to a medical specialist.