Cranial Osteopathy FAQs

Cranial osteopaths use a highly developed sense of touch to find areas within the body that are holding tension or strain, and to examine tissue quality throughout the body, including the head.

Cranial osteopathy works by using gentle touch to release tension from problem areas within the body, especially the skull. The restored function resulting from cranial osteopathy treatment can help with a wide range of conditions.

Absolutely. A cranial osteopath can assess your baby for any misalignments and for any tensions or strains that their head or bodies are holding. As a result, the skull is easily traumatised, especially in ventouse or forceps deliveries, breech births, caesareans and for big babies or fast deliveries. All of these scenarios can lead to health problems later on. Cranial osteopathy helps to counteract such issues and promotes maximum health.

On the first visit, we will take a detailed medical history of your child. We will ask questions about the birth and any presenting complaints. We will then carry out a medical examination to assess the nature of the symptoms and then carry out treatment according to our findings. We will always explain everything we do as we go along.

Cranial osteopathy is a very gentle and safe form of treatment and is suitable for babies, children and the elderly, as well as all ages in between.

Cranial osteopathy treatments are very gentle and generally very relaxing for babies and children. Some babies can become a little unsettled after treatment but in most cases, parents notice their child is calmer and more relaxed following treatment.

This is generally due to the changes happening in their bodies. In these instances, most parents report that their child was just a bit irritable for a few days. In most cases, parents notice their child is calmer and more relaxed following treatment.

In most cases treatment will be carried out during the first visit, following a full examination. If there is any reason we cannot treat your child, we will provide an explanation and refer you to your GP or an appropriate medical practitioner.

You do not need a GP referral to see a private cranial osteopath.

Every case is different. Usually babies respond quickly and benefit significantly from 2 to 6 treatments. We will have a better idea of the number of treatments required after the initial examination.

There is a small chance your child may be slightly unsettled for up to 48 hours following treatment, but in most cases, parents only notice a positive difference. There are little or no side effects from cranial osteopathic treatment.

Many health insurance policies include cranial osteopathy in treatments covered by their policy. Every insurance policy is different, so always check with your insurer prior to making an appointment for advice on what your individual policy covers.