What's it for  ?

Cranial osteopathic technique is a very gentle form of osteopathy.

This approach uses very gentle techniques in which the osteopath's highly trained sense of touch is used to identify mechanical disturbances and limitations, both in and around the joints of the skull, and throughout the body.
As it involves no manipulation it has become known as a useful method of treating babies and children, although there is no upper age limit and the scope of cranial osteopathy is the same as the more traditional form of treatment.

When osteopaths examine babies, areas of tension are often found in the spine or head, which are indications that the baby is uncomfortable. A baby cannot complain of backache or headache, and will typically express this by crying and being unsettled or irritable.

In a research study conducted by Clive Hayden into the effects of cranial osteopathic treatment on babies, some parents perceived the following changes in their children’s behaviour : 
Reduced colicky crying, improved sleep, less unsettled irritable behaviour and increased quiet happy spells.

As with so-called "structural " osteopathy it aims to affect the general health and function of the body by making sure the body framework works as easily as possible.

 How is it done ?

  Treating children

During a normal delivery, a baby has to rotate and squeeze through the bony pelvis. The baby's head has the remarkable ability to absorb these stresses by allowing the soft bones to overlap and mould to the right shape. Often babies are then born with odd shaped heads as a result. Within the first few days this moulded shape gradually disappears, although sometimes it is incomplete. As a result the baby may have to live with some very uncomfortable stresses within its head and body.
Some babies cope extremely well with even quite severe retained moulding and they are happy and content.
For others it is a different story and often they may exhibit some of the following symptoms:
Crying and irritable; feeding difficulties; colic and wind; poor sleep pattern etc.

 FAQ

Could there be any reactions ?

Reactions to treatment are variable, but most babies will be more relaxed aftrer treatment and usually sleep well. Others may have a burst of energy afterwards and then have a good nights sleep.

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