Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy, also referred to as ‘Cranial Osteopathy’ or ‘Osteopathy in the Cranial Field’ was first developed by Dr Sutherland who was a student of Dr Still, the founder of Osteopathy. Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy is a gentle and profound hands-on method that evaluates and enhances the functioning of a physiological body system called the cranio-sacral system . This system consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, extending from the skull, face and mouth, down to the sacrum.

The cerebrospinal fluid which bathes and cushions the brain and spinal cord moves with a tide-like rhythm. Any restrictions in the body's functioning due to physical or emotional trauma or stress, are reflected in this motion. Using a very light touch, the osteopath can monitor this rhythm to pinpoint the source of an obstruction and assist the natural movement of the fluid and related soft tissue to help the body self-correct and return to a state of balance.

who can benefit?

Individual of all ages greatly benefit from Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy. Its gentle and non-invasive approach makes it a preferred treatment for infants, children, the frail and elderly and individuals in acutely painful conditions who may not be able to tolerate any other treatment. It is also very beneficial during pregnancy and after childbirth.

We safely and effectively treat:

We provide gentle treatment for infants for:

We treat children of all ages for:

pregnancy & childbirth

Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy eases many physical discomforts of pregnancy. As the mother’s body adapts to carrying up to 10 kg of baby, waters and placenta, physical strain is imposed on all organs and tissues. This results in considerable changes in posture which can lead to back and neck pain particularly if there was pre-existing strain or trauma. Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy assists the body in adjusting to these changes, making pregnancy much more comfortable. It is also helpful in easing nausea, heartburn and breathing difficulties that can occur during pregnancy.

Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy plays an important role in preparing for childbirth and the demands of labour. It structurally balances and aligns the mother’s pelvis by releasing old trauma and holding patterns and optimizes the ability of the pelvic bones to move apart during the birthing process, giving the best chance of an easy and uncomplicated labour. After giving birth, Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy assists the body to get back to normal by releasing strains from both pregnancy and labour. Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy is gentle and non-invasive and perfectly safe during all stages of pregnancy.

infants & children

During birth the baby experiences intense pressure and contortion of the whole body. The head takes most of this pressure and normally has the capacity to cope by overlapping of the plates. After birth the skull unmoulds, and most of these forces release from the body as the baby cries, yawns and suckles.

Sometimes a baby with a relatively normal birth still retains some of the moulding in the skull or twisting strains in its body. Various conditions of birth increase the probability that strains will be unresolved. This includes a birth that is prolonged or a birth that is short and intense; where intervention such as ventouse or forceps are involved, or when the baby’s presentation is posterior or otherwise unusual. Sometimes strains even arise in utero, with the foetus lying in awkward positions for prolonged periods of time, pressed up against the mother’s pelvis. Indicators that birth strain remains in the baby’s body can be an irritable baby, feeding or suckling difficulties, reflux, colic, disturbed sleep, head banging or prolonged crying.

Unresolved birth strains can remain in a child’s body and influence their growth, health and development. Indications for treatment in a child can be chronic ear infections, sinus problems or headaches. Children with behavioural problems, learning difficulties, ADHD and dyslexia also demonstrate osteopathic strain in their bodies. Osteopathy is a valuable component of treatment for these children.

For better resolution of birth strains the baby should be treated as early as possible as the skull becomes progressively harder and will retain any distortion. (By the age of two most of the child’s skull is bone rather than cartilage.) Babies and children respond readily to Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy.

Click here for more extensive and detailed technical information on Cranio-Sacral Osteopathy.

what happens during a session?

The osteopath applies gentle and light touch to evaluate and treat the client who is lying fully clothed on a treatment table. Experiences during a treatment can vary from client to client and treatment to treatment. At times the client may fall into a deep relaxation or even fall asleep, hardly noticing the practitioner’s treatment. At other times he or she may experience sensations such as heat, tingling and pulsating or recall hidden memories and trauma which may lead to expression of emotions.

how will I feel after a treatment?

Response to a treatment again varies. Some people continue to feel deeply relaxed and may even feel like sleeping for many hours afterwards, while others report feeling energized. Reduction of pain or increase in function may occur immediately after treatment or may develop gradually over the next few days and continue over weeks after the treatment. Some may experience a phase of reorganization as the body adapts to the release of previously held patterns.

how many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments needed varies widely and depends on the condition as well as the responsiveness of the client. In some situations 1 or 2 treatments may be all that is needed but in many cases a minimum of 3-6 treatment may be required to restore balance. Most private health funds offer rebates for osteopathic treatments.

practitioners

Ilona McGavock B.App.Sc,M.H.Sc.(Osteo)Memb.AOA

Anna Myers B.App.Sc(Clin Sc),B.Clin.Sc(Osteo)Memb.AOA

Florian Schulze Cert.Osteo.HP.(Germany)Memb.AOA

fees

For current fees, please view our fees page.