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Craniosacral
Osteopathy

This is an extremely gentle, yet potent part of our work. It can be used in many ways but is particularly relevant in the treatment of the after–effects of difficult births, dental work and head injuries. Many young children and babies do not fully recover from the mechanical stresses of birth, the results of which include such conditions as colic, and behavioural and sleep disturbances. We are also happy to see women during pregnancy, to forestall mechanical disturbances in the body that could adversely affect giving birth.

In general, cranial osteopathy is a sub-specialty of osteopathy. It is a particularly subtle and gentle form of treatment focusing on the ‘release’ of stress and tension from all parts of the body, including the head. It is used to treat a variety of conditions notably those caused by a build-up of residual tension in the body.

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.

Cranial osteopathy is particularly suitable for babies because it is so gentle. Cranial osteopaths recognise that even babies have absorbed stresses and strains. This starts with the birth process. Even a normal birth can be stressful with the baby ‘squeezed’ down the birth canal. Some babies have a rougher time of it, particularly if they are subject to a prolonged birth or have been awkwardly positioned.

The treatment is typically extremely gentle and babies usually find it very relaxing and restful – even those who have difficulty relaxing or sleeping.

Cranial sacral osteopathy can often treat problems caused by dental issues. Problems that our patients say have been helped by treatment are, face pain, headache, migraine, congested sinuses, ear infections, neck pain and fatigue.

The importance of the relationship between cranial osteopathy and dentistry cannot be overstated. Conditions affecting the mouth and teeth have a very direct effect on the rest of the body.
The face is composed of a number of different bones. Some of these bones are very delicate, and they are intricately linked together in a very complex way.

All the bones of the face, like those in the rest of the skull, are free to move very minutely, which they do in a gentle rhythmical way. This movement between the bones is important in maintaining drainage of the sinuses, and permitting the free passage of air through the nose.
Trauma to the face may restrict the normal movement between the bones, and can have very wide reaching effects in the whole body. One of the most common causes of trauma is dental treatment. These may be caused by extraction of teeth, having dentures or plates in place, no back teeth, braces and bridges.

For more infromation either contact us directly or alternatively look on the Sutherland Society Website at http://www.cranial.org.uk