Elisabeth Davies BA DO ND MSCC Registered Osteopath Registered with the General Osteopathic Council

Osteopathy - The Cranial Approach:
A complete system of treatment for the whole person

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a system of treatment which focuses on the musculo-skeletal system (the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and connective tissue) and the way in which this inter-relates with the body as a whole. Osteopaths diagnose and treat restrictions which occur because of injury, stress or perhaps disease. Treatment enables the musculo-skeletal system to work as efficiently as possible and allows the body to restore itself to normal function. The philosophy of osteopathy is based on the belief that mobility (freedom of movement in the joints and other tissues) sustains health and conversely that loss of mobility (stiffness and restriction of movement) pre-disposes to disease. Osteopaths vary in the techniques they use, but all work towards the structural and functional integrity of the whole person.

What is "Cranial" Osteopathy?

An approach to osteopathic practice, sometimes referred to as "cranial osteopathy", developed from the discovery in the 1930's that small tolerances of movement exist between the individual bones which make up the human skull (cranium). This very slight expansile/contractile movement was found to exist throughout the body, and was called "cranial motion" or "primary respiration", because it feels as if the cells of the body are breathing. When trauma disrupts primary respiration in any part of the body, the local tissues and joints feel "blocked", and disease results. Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel this motion and when it is absent to restore it through gentle and subtle manipulation. Since cranial osteopaths treat the whole body, the term "cranial" is misleading. Nowadays an increasing number of osteopaths are using this as their technique of choice or as part of an integrated approach.

What Conditions can Cranial Osteopathy Treat?

All the conditions for which people normally seek osteopathic help. Most common amongst these are joint problems, especially in the spine. However, osteopathic treatment can improve the health of any tissue where loss of mobility has caused disease. Thus it can benefit a wide range of conditions not normally associated with osteopathy.

Who can Benefit from Treatment?

Because it is very gentle, cranial osteopathy is equally suited to babies and children, adults and the elderly, the robust and the chronically ill. It does not follow that the bigger and stronger you are, the more forceful the manipulation needed. Cranial osteopathy is equally well suited to sportsmen and women, farmers and those engaged in heavy physical work.

What is the Treatment Like?

When you visit an osteopath for the first time a full medical history will be taken and you will be asked about lifestyle factors that may have a bearing on your condition. You will then be asked to remove some layers of clothing so that the osteopath can observe your structure and posture. You will be asked to perform some simple movements so that the mobility of your body can be observed. This is then backed up by a series of mobility tests which are applied while you are sitting or lying, so that the osteopath can identify areas of restriction, weakness or strain. Cranial osteopaths then place their hands at various points on the head and body to assess the state of the tissues. Diagnosis progresses into treatment as the osteopath works with the cranial motion (described above) to subtly manipulate the patient's musculo-skeletal system, working in harmony with the body's own attempts to reduce strain patterns and restore normality. Some patients may be largely unaware of the changes taking place. Most find the treatment pleasantly relaxing. Some fall asleep!

When will the Treatment take Effect?

The response to treatment is variable, but most patients experience some immediate alleviation of symptoms. After treatment the patient's body continues to adjust itself and in certain cases improvements may not be noticed for two or three days. An initial worsening may even be experienced before relief occurs. A few patients may feel highly energised after treatment. Others may experience initial tiredness and even feel the need to sleep, in which case it is beneficial to have a few hours bed rest to maximise the effectiveness of the treatment. The response may vary from one treatment to the next. In addition to relief of symptoms, many patients report benefits beyond the immediate problem, such as improved sleep, reduced tension and increased vitality; some report an unexpected improvement in other apparently unrelated disorders.

Taking Care after Treatment

All patients are more vulnerable to strain in the first few days after treatment and should avoid situations that put them at risk. After treatment, an osteopath can advise on maintaining a realistic level of health and avoiding those things which might be damaging.

How can I Find a Cranial Osteopath who is Properly Qualified?

Osteopathic training is rigorous and lengthy and includes the study of anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnosis, biomechanics and clinical methods as well as covering areas such as gynaecology, obstetrics, paediatrics and counselling. Qualified osteopaths have an academic qualification indicated by DO (Diploma in Osteopathy) or more recent graduates may have BSc (Ost) after their names. Since the Osteopaths Act became law in 1993 the General Osteopathic Council replaced all pre-existing professional bodies. It has drawn up a statutory register and only those listed on it are legally permitted to call themselves osteopaths. This provides patients with the same assurances as when they consult a doctor or dentist. Members have professional indemnity insurance, work to a code of ethics and are bound by a disciplinary procedure. Some Registered Osteopaths may specialise in cranial osteopathy, but you will still find them listed under the general osteopathic section in directories such as the Yellow Pages. If you are looking for a specifically cranial osteopath inquire at the practices in your area. Your GP practice may be able to help. NB: "Cranio-sacral therapy" is different and therapists may not have had any osteopathic training.

How Much Will Treatment Cost?

Most people consult an osteopath privately. Telephone local practices to find out about fees in your area. Many private health insurance schemes give benefit for osteopathic treatment. These vary widely in cover and conditions so take care when selecting one.

(Revised July 2000)

Copyright © Elisabeth Davies 1999.  Not to be reproduced without permission from the author.