What is Cranial Osteopathy?
Cranial Osteopathy is a very gentle and subtle approach of the whole body, not just the head as the name implies.
Treatment through cranial osteopathy is no different to osteopathy. It simply recognises the importance of the subtle mechanics at work in the head and their impact on the health of the whole body.
The gentle nature of cranial osteopathy makes it suitable for people of all ages, from the newborn to the elderly. It is particularly suitable to the treatment of babies and children.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a very physical experience and osteopathy offers a gentle way of helping your body to adapt to these changes. We strongly recommend all expectant mothers have an osteopathic check-up in preparation for the birth and post-natally to aid recovery.
Babies, Infants & Children:
Birth is one of the most stressful events of our lives. The baby is subjected to enormous forces, as the uterus pushes to expel the baby against the natural resistance of the birth canal. The baby has to turn & twist as it squeezes through the bony pelvis, on its short but highly stressful journey. Cranial Osteopathy is gentle in nature making it ideal for the treatment of newborns, infants and children.
Post-natal check for mother and baby
We offer a post-natal check for mother and baby if the labour has been very long or rapid, or if the baby has been delivered using ventouse, forceps or caesarean. This check-up is preferable done 2-3 weeks after delivery.
Moulding of the Head
Babies' heads are made up of 22 bones which overlap and mould during the birth process. Immediate signs that may be seen from moulding that does not release are sticky eyes, poor latching to the breast, irritability or babies that want to be held all the time.
Caesarean Section
Babies born by caesarian section are often in shock and can be very irritable. Caesarian section babies tend to be more mucousy than babies who were born by vaginal delivery because they had no compression through the chest. This can result in ongoing multiple infections of the ear nose throat and chest.
Feeding Difficulties
If your baby is not latching onto the breast this may be caused by a lack of rotation in the neck. Compression at the back of the neck whilst the baby emerges from the birth canal may affect the nerves to the tongue and mouth.
Your osteopath will make an assessment and if required use gentle techniques to release the compression and strains that limit the rotation of the neck.
Flat head and Postural Problems
All parents should observe their baby's neck movements to ensure they are comfortably able to look both ways and sleep with their head both ways. If not, bring the baby in for an osteopathic examination and treatment. (The sooner the better, babies are much easier to treat when they are weeks rather than months old).
If the baby sleeps on only one side a flattening of the head (plagiocephaly) may result. If you are concerned about flattening of your baby’s head, mention it to one of our osteopaths..
Glue Ear
Glue ear is caused by fluids collecting in the eustachian tube. As the fluid collects it is not only a potential site for infection but hearing can become affected.
The aim of osteopathic treatment is to drain the fluids throughout the face, throat, chest and neck.
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