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Cranial osteopathy – the FAQs

Updated: Dec 20, 2023

Heard of the term cranial osteopathy but not entirely sure what it means or how it works?



Osteopath Felicity treating a patient

In this blog post, we discuss all things cranial osteopathy, answering some of our patients’ most frequently asked questions.


How does cranial osteopathy work?

A common misconception is that cranial osteopathy involves treating only the head and neck. And whilst it’s true that it focuses on these areas, cranial osteopathy actually treats the entire body and all body tissues.


Your body is brilliant at healing itself, but trauma or injury can often place stresses and strains that your body has to compensate for, which can lead to pain and other related symptoms being experienced. An osteopath will use highly skilled cranial osteopathy techniques to identify these subtle changes and treat them accordingly, enabling your body to regain the ability to self heal more effectively.


Is cranial osteopathy only for babies?

Not at all! Whilst it can be a highly beneficial treatment for both babies (due to their delicate skeletal structure) and children, cranial osteopathy can be used to help treat a variety of conditions in patients of all ages! It’s an extremely gentle approach, which makes it ideal for those looking for a ‘less physical’ type of treatment. If you’d like to discuss whether cranial osteopathy is the right treatment for you, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and I'll talk you through the treatment and your individual needs.


What should I expect at my first appointment?

Just like a standard osteopathic appointment, I’ll get to know your story and why you are here to see me. This will include gathering information about your symptoms and your medical history so that I can gain an insight into what is likely to be occurring. I'll then perform an examination and, as long as everything is safe to proceed and you are happy to continue, I'll then provide treatment. You’ll find more details about what to expect at your osteopathy appointment via the website.


What does cranial osteopathy treatment feel like?

It’s extremely gentle, relaxing and soothing – so much so that many clients fall asleep during their treatment! Some clients report experiencing various sensations during their treatment, such as feelings of relaxation, warmth, mild tension that gradually eases, aching or sensitivity, whereas others feel unaware of anything happening until afterwards when they often report positive improvements.


Is cranial osteopathy safe?

Because cranial osteopathy is so gentle, it’s generally considered to be safe for the vast majority of people. In some instances patients report feeling achy or tired at the end of their session, but these symptoms will usually subside within 24–48 hours after treatment, should they occur at all.


More information

If you’d like further information about this type of treatment, please visit the cranial osteopathy webpage. To talk about your individual condition or requirements, you can get in touch via the website, email or telephone. I'm here to help you!


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