Osteopathy
About osteopathy at Chiltern Osteopathic
What is osteopathy?
Osteopathy is a primary healthcare system complementary to other medical practices.
It is based on the principle that the good health and harmonious interrelation of skeleton, muscles, ligaments and connective tissues are crucial to an individual’s well-being.
Suitable for almost anyone it can contribute to alleviating an enormous range of conditions and is one of the safest and most effective forms of treatment for musculo-skeletal pain.
Osteopathy is a manual therapy
Osteopathy is a manual therapy which uses an established, recognised system of diagnosis and treatment with its main emphasis on the structural integrity of the body. The treatment of medical disorders are achieved through the manipulation and massage of the skeleton and musculature.
Osteopathy is an holistic therapy
Osteopathy is an holistic therapy which means that it considers the body as a whole being. This is distinctive in the fact that it recognises that much of the pain and disability we suffer stems from abnormalities in the function of the body structure, as well as damage caused to it by disease processes.
Cranial Osteopathy
What is cranial osteopathy or cranio-sacral treatment?
What is cranial osteopathy?
Cranial osteopathy (or cranio-sacral therapy) involves a subtle manipulation of predominantly the skull and base of the spine. By feeling the movements of the skull, the membranes inside it and fluid movements, the osteopath can pinpoint health issues and assist in relieving them with gentle manipulation.
Cranial osteopathy techniques can be used on all ages but due to the subtlety of the technique is often applied in paediatric treatment; being well suited to babies, children, the elderly and patients unsure of conventional osteopathic treatment.
Cranial osteopathic treatment can help to address physical aches and pains, acute and chronic disease, emotional or psychological disturbances, soothe and relax or simply help to develop well-being, health and vitality.
What is involved?
In a typical cranial osteopathy session, the patient will usually lie (or sometimes sit) fully clothed on a treatment couch. The osteopath will make contact by placing their hands lightly on the skull and tune into what is happening by ‘listening’ with their hands. Contact is made carefully so that you will feel at ease.
It is not uncommon to notice a deep sense of relaxation, or ’inner warmth’, which will generally last throughout the session. With subsequent treatments this release of tension often extends into everyday life
Isn’t this just head massage?
No, because of the name, cranial osteopathy or craniosacral therapy, people often think that it only concerns the head and spine. Cranial osteopathy is not a form of head massage, although contact is made with the head in most treatment sessions.
Cranial osteopathy has been developed from clinical experience which shows that health is something active and not just an absence of disease. Cranial osteopathic treatment supports health in the body. It helps increase physical vitality and well-being not only affecting structural change but also having much wider implications, emotionally and spiritually. The resulting sense of well-being can help with many aspects of life from strengthening the immune system to improving interpersonal relationships.