Cranial Osteopathy at the Leigham Practice is given by our award-winning Philip Rossiter, Master’s Level Osteopath from the internationally renowned British School of Osteopathy, throughout the week.

What is Cranial Osteopathy?

Many people assume that Cranial Osteopathy is a form of osteopathy that is only applied to the head, yet although time is spent applying light pressures to the skull, we can apply Cranial Osteopathy throughout the body. We often describe it as a delicate form of osteopathy where gentle pressures, movements and manipulations releases stresses and strains throughout the body. The subtle nature of cranial osteopathy techniques make this form of treatment particularly suitable for babies with a wide range of common issues, however the gentle techniques are suitable for all the family.

Who should consider Cranial Osteopathy?

Cranial Osteopathy takes a holistic approach and can be used by those seeking a non-invasive and very gentle approach. Like Craniosacral Therapy, Cranial Osteopathy is a sought after therapy for newborn babies. Traumatic births can lead to Mothers and babies attending to seek help with a variety of concerns, and Cranial Osteopathy has become hugely popular and highly praised by parents for the improvements they have seen with a wide variety of problems.

What happens in a session?

The session takes approximately one hour and begins, like most medical assessments, with a detailed history and talking about the reasons that caused you to attend. If treatment is sought for a baby or child, you will be asked details about events during pregnancy, the birth and how the baby developed postnatally, as this is important to gather information and establish a good understanding of things that may have contributed to the present situation.

During the session the subtle rhythmical shape changes present in the skull will be assessed and we may apply gentle pressures to gradually release tension. Patients may feel sensations of pressure or warmth, either under the hands of your cranial osteopath or elsewhere in their body.

Patients often feel any tensions to be gradually released with a sense of deep relaxation. People have described sensations such as feeling ‘floaty’. You may experience feelings of released tension and relaxation elsewhere during treatment.

After your session

After your assessment and initial treatment your therapist will explain the nature of your problems, talk about what they feel they can do to help and what they feel they require achieving a successful outcome for you or your baby/child.

You may only need one treatment, or you may need a follow-up appointment. We aim to improve health and well-being, and reduce dependency on drugs, medication and healthcare professionals, including ourselves, but our treatments are absolutely not intended as an alternative to primary healthcare. As both an experienced osteopath and physiotherapist, Sergi is used to working alongside the relationship you have with your doctor and if we need to contact them for their help or assistance, we will seek your permission to do so.

As one of London’s longest established multidisciplinary clinics, we have an area-wide reputation built over the last 30 years, one important customer at a time. If you have any unexpected problems following your treatment, or have any concerns you should contact us immediately as we need to know that things are not going as we expected and can help you further.