What’s the difference between Osteopathy and Cranial Osteopathy?
Cranial osteopathy describes a group of osteopathic techniques which use very small movements. They were first described about a century ago when they were demonstrated on the head, but since then our understanding of these techniques has expanded so that they can be used on any part of the body, but the name “cranial” has stuck. In practice both traditional and cranial techniques aim to optimise movement in the body, but with a slightly different focus: Traditional osteopathic techniques tend to focus on gross joint movements and the muscles producing the movement, so these treatments involve bigger movements and slightly more vigorous pressure. Cranial osteopathic techniques tend to focus on subtle movements and tensions within the tissues, so these treatments involve gentle pressure and fine movements.
