CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY
WHAT IS CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY?
Cranial Osteopathy is another technique/approach that can be used during the osteopathic visit, according to the patient's needs.
Its focus is the study of the mechanisms in the cranium and their interrelationship with the body as a whole. Even though the name can create some misunderstandings, Cranial Osteopathy approaches and treats somatic dysfunctions of the head and also other parts of the body.
It is a gentle type of approach and treatment designed for all age groups, from babies and children to adults. It is an alternative to physical manipulation, stretching and massage.
Nowadays, the principles and effectiveness of Cranial Osteopathy are still debated and evidence is still limited. However, its origin dates back to 1930, when its founder William G. Sutherland, DO observed and claimed that:
the bones of the skull are mobile
there is 'inherent' motility of the brain and spinal cord
there is the motility of the meninges (layers of membranes that protect the brain and spinal cord)
there is involuntary motion between the sacrum and the ilia, which is synchronised with the cranial motion by the spinal dural meninge.
This rhythmic motion, called Primary Respiratory Mechanism (PRM) is also transmitted by fluids or fascia throughout the body and it can be palpated simultaneously at any place.
The fascia is a connective tissue that wraps bones, muscles and organs and connects all the different parts of the body. It has a fundamental role in Cranial Osteopathy: it represents where alterations of the PRM and somatic dysfunctions can be appreciated, palpated and treated.
The aim of Cranial Osteopathy is to remove these fascial dysfunctions, improve the patient wellbeing and boost the recovery process.
Sometimes just working on the muscles and the bones might not be 100% resolutive because some further tensions can be contained and transmitted through the fascia. Cranial Osteopathy can integrate, support and boost even more the musculoskeletal approach of Osteopathy.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Cranial Osteopathy is a very gentle and relaxing approach. Even though it might seem very passive (from outside no much appears!), the practitioner aims to release and re-balance areas of dysfunction (sometimes even not too close to the location of complaint but deeply related to it through the fascial connection).
Overall, the Osteopathic visit will not significantly change.
Firstly, an initial consultation will take place before any active treatment or management begins. Questions about your problem will be asked, as well as your general health and medical conditions will be investigated. All the information you will share is confidential, they will be recorded in your case notes.
Then, the consultation will be followed by a physical examination: you will be requested to do some movements in order to observe your posture and mobility, as well as passive tests and orthopaedic evaluation, which will also be executed. During the assessment, the Osteopath will perform some cranial osteopathic tests, which consist of gentle palpation of specific areas of the head and the body in order to check any alteration in the fascial system.
After the assessment, a unique treatment plan will be proposed to meet your needs. This will include a discussion about what the treatment will consist of, the number of sessions you are likely to need (this number may change and it depends on the patient’s response to treatment) and some lifestyle adjustment and/or home exercises program you will be advised to do to recover faster.
If your condition requires further medical investigations or if Osteopathy is not the most accurate therapy for your problem you will be referred to your GP or another medical specialist. Most patients are likely to receive treatment during the first initial appointment.
During the treatment, if some cranial techniques are needed, the Osteopath will explain to you their aim and execution. Any technique will be performed without having previously gained your consent. At any time, if you do not feel comfortable with any approach proposed, you will be free to express your disappointment and the Osteopath will find alternatives.
When Cranial techniques are received, some people are likely to experience different sensations, while others might not experience anything and feel the benefits afterwards. Common sensations are mild tension, aching or sensitivity that gradually disappears, and feelings of warmth, relaxation or emotional relief. Regarding the latter, the fascial system is deeply connected with emotions and somatic dysfunctions can relate to stress, anxiety and emotional distress.
Some studies show that Cranial Osteopathy can be beneficial for:
managing symptoms of chronic conditions such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue
headaches (especially tension-type headaches)
improving sleeping patterns, global health and quality of life
reducing anxiety and stress
treating babies (Paediatric Osteopathy)
Overall, even though some studies show the clinical benefits of Cranial Osteopathy, there is still heterogeneous and insufficient evidence to scientifically support it. For this reason, some Osteopaths may not use Cranial Osteopathy in their practice.