What is the difference between classical (structural) and cranial osteopathy?
The examination of the patient is the same, following general osteopathic principles. The patient is upright, so their posture, moving and walking styles can be assessed. In practice classical osteopathy is a more physically direct treatment approach with the patient sitting or lying on the treatment table. Techniques are applied to improve the range of movement and to help normalise the blood and nerve supply to and from a particular area. The treatment typically involves deep massage and stretching of muscles, rhythmic mobilisation movements and small, quick manipulation techniques to dysfunctional joints to improve their function. Cranial osteopathy will generally be seen as a gentle but deeper approach usually with the patient lying down. The Osteopath assesses and influences the central nervous system, usually via the cranium and/or the sacrum, to allow the patient’s central nervous system to find a point of ease.
