What is Cranial Osteopathy? And is it Different than Craniosacral Therapy?
- osteomeagan
- Feb 29, 2024
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 19
Cranial osteopathy and craniosacral therapy are closely related and stem from the teachings and discoveries of William Garner Sutherland. Sutherland was a very early student of Andrew T. Still, whom was the originator of osteopathy (about 1900). Together they discovered the importance of including gentle treatment of the cranial bones into a wholistic perspective of the body and the health of its alignment. Any tensions or restrictions within the cranium can have a large impact on the nervous system and overall balance to the body, through fascial connections (Dura Mater) from the cranium, continuous with the spine and pelvis.
Sutherland was the first to notice the small movement's and fluctuations (the cranial rhythm or primary respiratory movement) within the cranium. This rhythm is created by the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid and is thought to be an implicit marker of health and vitality in the whole body.
John Upledger then came along and picked up Sutherland's work in the 1970's and developed his own approach. He made this available to more practitioners other than just osteopaths and the term craniosacral therapy was coined. So hence, now we have osteopathic manual practitioners who practice "cranial osteopathy" and we have "craniosacral practitioners" who can be massage therapists or other manual therapists who practice craniosacral therapy.
Cranial osteopathy is just one component of osteopathy. Osteopaths also treat the bones and joints of the body, as well as the organs and viscera (digestive organs, heart, lungs). There are soft tissue structures (fascia) encapsulating and connecting all the structures within the body (nerves, veins, arteries, organs, bones). These fascial structures connect organs to parts of the spine and pelvis, therefore impacting the movement and alignment of each other. Through gentle manipulation, a fine palpation skill, and knowledge of anatomy and physiology, osteopaths can loosen the fascial attachments and restore movement to the body. This can also help restore nerve function and circulation.
It is difficult to get objective, evidence- based studies on cranial osteopathy because it is such a tiny movement that we are working with. But there are many studies tracking subjective symptom relief in patients which show a positive outcome and overall pattern of reduction of pain and increase in well being.
In my clinic, I hear so many different descriptions of how the treatment is felt for the person on the table. Many people will experience warmth and tingling, and an ability to breath better. Most people feel an immense sense of relaxation and calm at the end of the treatment, as well as looser in their muscles, and better mobility overall in their daily movements.
Cranial osteopathy is especially beneficial in helping to treat post- concussion syndrome, headaches, migraines and back pain.
I hope this was helpful in understanding what cranial osteopathy is and how it is strongly linked to craniosacral therapy. Let me know if you have any questions or comments about how it has helped you!
Here are some articles show casing more information and studies on cranial osteopathy