Cranial osteopathy is a gentle, refined approach to osteopathic treatment that focuses on the subtle rhythmic movements of the body's tissues. At Osteopathy London, we understand that many subtle issues can impact your comfort and well-being. Our highly experienced osteopaths in Central & East London are dedicated to helping you explore this unique therapy and guiding you towards lasting comfort and balance, suitable for all ages.
Why Choose Osteopathy London for Cranial Osteopathy?
Expertise Since 2001: John has been providing cranial osteopathy for over 20 years.
Specialized Training: Gervais has a Masters in Osteopathy where cranial osteopathy was a core part of his training.
Gentle, Holistic Approach: We use subtle, light-touch techniques to help your body restore its natural balance.
What is Cranial Osteopathy, and how is it different from Osteopathy?
Cranial Osteopathy is a gentle and subtle form of osteopathic treatment. It uses very gentle pressure to release stress throughout the body, including the head. It's not a scalp massage, but rather a series of supportive contacts on different parts of the body, usually while the patient lies on their back.
These contacts can go beyond the head, including the arms, legs, mid-back, and with permission, the lower back and sacrum. This subtle engagement can help patients relax deeply, which is part of its therapeutic effect.
While Osteopathy might involve more direct manipulative techniques, cranial osteopathy uses incredibly light touch and subtle palpation to detect and release areas of strain.
In some cases, Cranial Osteopathy's gentle approach is more suitable than direct mechanical treatment. It provides a gentle "push" to help patients overcome obstacles that prevent them from moving and functioning as they should, which aligns perfectly with Osteopathy's philosophy of promoting natural function and balance.
Some patients come specifically for Cranial Osteopathy, while others benefit from it as a relaxing and effective addition to conventional osteopathic techniques.
How does Cranial Osteopathy work?
John believes that the deep relaxation patients experience after a short period of cranial work drives at least part of the improvements they report. However, it's not just about relaxation – there's more to it.
Research has greatly advanced our understanding of pain science and the impact of stress on our health and perception of pain. Techniques like meditation, mindfulness, and breathing exercises have been shown to have positive effects on both physical and psychological well-being.
The pain, dysfunction, and negative impacts on quality of life that many patients experience are a significant source of stress. This stress can create a vicious cycle that hinders recovery, and chronic stress itself increases the risk of pain and ill health.
Trials have shown that Cranial Osteopathy can provide a level of relaxation profound enough to reduce pain and dysfunction in a short period. This relaxation assists with nervous system regulation, and can provide patients the momentum they need to shift the balance in their favour, allowing osteopaths to facilitate meaningful change.
Potential Benefits of Cranial Osteopathy
Many of our patients seek out cranial osteopathy for its gentle, subtle approach. While the results can be unique to each individual, some people report feeling a range of potential benefits, including:
Deep Relaxation: The light, hands-on treatment can promote a sense of calm and well-being, which may help the body's natural healing processes.
Reduced Tension: By focusing on the subtle rhythms of the body's tissues, cranial osteopathy may help release areas of tension that contribute to discomfort and stress.
Aiding Post-Trauma Recovery: Patients who have experienced physical or emotional trauma, including birth trauma, often seek this gentle form of treatment to help support their body’s recovery.
Promoting Overall Balance: The treatment aims to support the body's natural state of balance, which may have a positive effect on systemic function and comfort.
These benefits are often linked to the profound relaxation and subtle changes in the body that many patients experience during and after a session. As with all osteopathic care, your treatment will be tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.
What can I expect during a Cranial Osteopathy session at your London clinic?
- Thorough Case History: Whether you attend with cranial osteopathy in mind, or receive it as part of a broader package of care, your new patient appointment will always begin with a thorough case history. This delves not just into your immediate concern, but you overall health.
- Gentle Examination: A very gentle examination process will be conducted, where your osteopath will use light touch to assess the unique way in which retained tension may disrupt your sense of wellbeing.
- Hands-On Treatment: The treatment itself is clothed and involves the subtle hands-on treatment described before.
- Post Session Relaxation: Many patients experience cranial osteopathy as deeply relaxing, often feeling a sense of calm both during and after the session.
As with any effective treatment, temporary treatment reactions can occur, but these are less likely with cranial work, and pass generally within 24 hours.
Is Cranial Osteopathy safe and suitable for babies and newborns?
Absolutely. John uses extremely gentle baby treatment techniques suitable for their delicate systems at every level of their maturity.
He is accustomed to treating babies that struggle to relax, and will always strive to find ways to help them calm during their visit.
For more detailed information this approach please visit our Infant Osteopathy page.
Ready To Explore Cranial Osteopathy? Book or Chat.
John would be happy to speak with you before you book with himself or Gervais.
You can arrange a free 15-minute phone consultation through the Bookings page, or book online for a new patient consultation (includes treatment) or an osteopathic follow-up, where the cranial approach can be used if desired.
Osteopathy London, 31 Roman Road, Bethnal Green, East London E2 0HU
© John Mallinder