Cranial osteopathy for babies

Osteopaths treat people of all ages. As babies skeletons are softer than an adults, osteopaths use gentler techniques than with our adult patients.

Cranial osteopathy is an extremely safe and gentle treatment approach which aims to ease stresses and strains that osteopaths believe can lead to unsettled or uncomfortable babies. Treatment aims to soothe and relax your baby and, wherever possible, we will teach you techniques to do the same!

Osteopathy is considered a complementary therapy, therefore we work alongside doctors and midwives to ensure the best care for our patients. Osteopaths are trained to screen for medical conditions and we will tell you if you need to see your doctor or midwife.

What to expect during your visit with Lorna

During the session we will:

• Discuss any concerns you may have about your baby
• Talk about the pregnancy & birth
• Conduct a standard paediatric examination to assess hip development, primitive reflexes and to check the are meeting developmental milestones
• Explain what we might be able to help with treatment
• Provide cranial osteopathy gentle treatment
• Provide relevant advice 

What is the difference between craniosacral therapy and cranial osteopathy?
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Cranial osteopathy is practiced by osteopaths who are statutorily regulated primary healthcare professionals. To obtain an Integrated Masters of Osteopathy (MOst) and be able to use the title “osteopath” takes four years of intensive study and a commitment to ongoing study throughout your career.

Craniosacral therapy works on the same principals but as it is not a protected title, anyone can call themselves a craniosacral therapist regardless of their training.

​Our Osteopath Clinic is a short walk from London Bridge and Borough Tube stations and near to Guys Hospital.

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More abouT Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial osteopathy is a specialised form of osteopathic therapy that involves gentle manipulation of the bones in the skull and spine. While it has gained popularity among some practitioners and patients, its effectiveness remains a subject of debate in the medical community.

Origins and Theory

Cranial osteopathy was developed in the early 1900s by Dr. William G. Sutherland, an American osteopath. The fundamental theory behind this practice is based on the concept of an "Involuntary Mechanism" or "Cranial Rhythm". This rhythm is described as a subtle, rhythmical shape change present in all body tissues, which cranial osteopaths claim they can detect and manipulate.

The core beliefs of cranial osteopathy include:

1. The bones of the skull can move slightly
2. There is a rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid within the cranium
3. These movements can be felt and influenced by a trained practitioner

Practice and Techniques

Cranial osteopathy is typically performed by osteopathic physicians (DOs) or chiropractors who have received specialized training. The treatment involves:

• Gentle application of pressure along the head and spine
• Subtle manipulations aimed at releasing pressure in tissues
• Attempts to normalize the rhythm of cerebrospinal fluid

Practitioners claim that through these gentle manipulations, they can address a wide range of health issues.

What can Cranial Osteopathy Potenitally Help With?

Proponents of cranial osteopathy suggest it can help with various conditions, including:

• Headaches and migraines
• Neck and back pain
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
• Infantile issues such as colic and feeding problems
• Stress and tension-related problems

For babies and children, some parents have reported improvements in:

• Colicky crying
• Sleep patterns
• General irritability
• Feeding issues

Cranial Osteopathy Safety and Precautions

When performed by a licensed professional, cranial osteopathy is generally considered safe. However, there are some precautions to consider:

• It may be potentially dangerous if not performed properly, especially on infants with unfused skull bones.
• It is not recommended for individuals with certain disorders or anatomical variants.
• Patients should always consult with their primary care physician before seeking alternative treatments.

As with any medical treatment, individuals considering cranial osteopathy should consult with their healthcare provider to discuss potential benefits and risks, and to ensure that they are not foregoing necessary conventional medical treatments.

About Lorna ROSE

Lorna is an experienced osteopath with wealth of knowledge across a broad range of musculoskeletal conditions. Alongside practicing at Harper Road Osteopaths, she works for the NHS as an Honorary Medical Acupuncturist at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine (RLHIM) and is a member of the British Medical Acupuncture Society (BMAS).

About Osteopathy

Osteopathy is a system of diagnosis and treatment for a wide range of medical conditions. It works with the structure and function of the body, and is based on the principle that the well-being of an individual depends on.

About Treatment

On your first visit I will spend some time taking a medical history, which will include questions about your general health and lifestyle as well as asking you about the symptoms or injuries that you are seeking help with. With your consent I will then perform a physical examination.

​Read More about Osteopathy

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1st FLOOR, 90 BOROUGH HIGH STREET,
​LONDON, SE1 1LL

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