Cranial Osteopathy?
There are many treatment styles available within osteopathy. One of these is known as ‘cranial osteopathy’. This comprises a range of subtle and gentle diagnostic and treatment techniques that are particularly helpful in the treatment of babies and children, though they are just as useful with adults. The name implies that treatment is limited to the head, although this can be misleading as there are a range of techniques applicable to the whole body.
Many are surprised to learn that babies can need osteopathic treatment. Often a traumatic birth can generate tensions and restrictions within the musculoskeletal system that manifest as unsettled behaviour, sleep disturbance or colicky symptoms. As children grow, they are subject to many of the same issues that generate back pain in adults: prolonged sitting, carrying heavy school bags, sports injuries etc, and osteopathic treatment can help with all of these.
Again, some adults are likely to respond better to the more gentle treatment of cranial osteopathy. This may be because more vigorous treatment would be unsuitable for a variety of reasons, or because it can be used in conjunction with other treatment styles.
Mandy teaches cranial osteopathic techniques to 4th year students at the European School of Osteopathy in Maidstone, and tutors in the School’s specialist Children’s Clinic.
