Osteopaths are taught a wide variety of treatment methods and techniques, ranging from ‘high velocity thrust’ techniques, which often create dramatic clicks, right the way through the spectrum to the very subtle yet intense functional and cranial methods.
Cranial and Functional Osteopathy: are both very different from structural or physical treatment as they offer a more subtle and civilised approach which consists of extremely gentle hands-on techniques that are suitable for all age groups.
Accidents and impacts to the body may be absorbed at the time, but a lasting strain or restriction often remains plus illnesses and emotional traumas can block or disrupt this movement, potentially causing a wide variety of problems, not just in the joints and muscles but also within the complex and deeper structures, such as; the skull, spine, pelvis plus the tendons, ligaments, fascia, membranes and fluid systems.
Cranial Osteopathy: addresses the cranium or skull plus the spine, sacrum or pelvis, and the membranes that surround the central nervous system.
During Cranial Osteopathic Treatment your practitioner may, with your permission, need to place their hands on your; skull, face, spine, shoulders, pelvis or abdomen and occasionally, with your signed consent, onto the roof of your mouth, to unravel the restrictions and torsions held within the body, that are triggering your symptoms.
Patients sometimes feel sensations of pressure, warmth or wave-like motion, either under the Osteopath’s hands or elsewhere in the body, and as these tensions are gradually drawn out, a very calm and relaxed state may be produced.
Some patient’s consequently mistake this branch of Osteopathy as a form of laying on of hands, but the underlying rationale is science based and your Osteopath, who will have undergone an extensive course of pre/post-graduate training in Cranial assessment and treatment as well as in the associated complex anatomy, is ultimately focused on restrictions and blockages as per Structural Osteopathy.
Cranial Treatment may be of particular benefit to those seeking an alternative to the more traditional physical approach due to pain levels, contra-indication concerns, personal choice or when an individuals’ resistance is at a low ebb. This particular style is often the treatment of choice for patients suffering from acute or arthritic spinal pain, headaches, neuralgia and sciatica, sleep concerns and relaxation issues as well and digestive disorders.
Functional Osteopathy: addresses the tendons, ligaments, fascia and membranes that support our joints and surround our organs, so echos the cranial effect throughout the body.
During Functional Osteopathic Treatment your practitioner may, with your permission, need to place their hands on your; spine, throat region, shoulders, rib cage, hips or abdomen and joints to unravel the restrictions and torsions held within the body that are triggering your symptoms.
Patients sometimes feel sensations of pressure, warmth or wave-like motion, either under the Osteopath’s hands or elsewhere in the body as these tensions are gradually drawn out, unraveled or unwound, which may leave you feeling lighter and loser.
Some patient’s find these techniques surprisingly gentle, however it is important to remember that plenty is going on under the surface, plus the intensity will vary depending on the area being addressed as well as the pain levels and health of the patient. However, whether the techniques applied are considered gentle or even incredibly subtle your Osteopath is ultimately focused on restrictions and blockages as per Structural Osteopathy.
Functional Treatment may be of particular benefit to those seeking an alternative to the more traditional physical approach due to pain levels, contra-indication concerns, personal choice or when an individuals’ resistance is at a low ebb. This particular style is often the treatment of choice for patients suffering from acute or arthritic pain, sciatica, repetitive injuries, circulatory concerns and digestive disorders.
Cranial and Functional Techniques: can often be preferable to a Structural approach where safety concerns exist. It is possible for Cranial and Functional techniques to be combined with each other and also, potentially, with Energy Healing or Structural Osteopathic elements, depending on; your preferences, the qualifications of your practitioner plus what is deemed safe and appropriate by your Osteopath, allowing them to create a bespoke multifaceted treatment programme suitable for your situation.
It is understandable that you may at times feel unsure about how such gentle intervention could create such beneficial change, so please do ask any questions you may have about Cranial or Functional if you would appreciate further explanation, as your Osteopath will be more than happy to discuss the whys and wherefores with you in detail.
Post Cranial or Functional Treatment:Patients who have undergone a course of this type of gentle Osteopathy often report less post treatment side effects than those who have undertaken a more structural approach plus they also commonly report an improvement in general well-being, energy levels and sleep patterns as well as their presenting complaints.
If you are interested in a more physical approach to Osteopathy please click the image below to view our dedicated Structural Osteopathy page:
https://romneymarshosteopaths-co-uk.stackstaging.com/treatments/osteopathy-and-structural-osteopathic-treatment/
For more information please watch the following video:
