Jolly Backs -
Osteopathic Practice

Cranial Osteopathy Explained

How does it work?

When a baby is born, the baby’s head is subjected to powerful forces as it passes down the birth canal and through the pelvic bones. Luckily the baby is usually capable of reacting to and absorbing the stresses of labour, but sometimes the compression leaves a lasting effect on the baby that can cause health problems after birth. This is particularly so with assisted births where ventousse or forceps have been used. The maintained distortions in the baby’s head can irritate the sensitive lining around the brain and also nerves that pass through the skull into the body. A cranial osteopath can detect these distortions and very gently help the soft tissues around the skull bones to relax. This allows the retained compression to gradually release, bringing comfort to the baby.


Is it safe for the baby?

The type of manipulation used is quite different from the type used for treating adults with back problems. It is extremely gentle and very safe. To an outside observer it seems like the baby’s head is being held ever so gently. Negative effects are extremely rare; occasionally symptoms worsen slightly before they get better.


How many treatments are needed?

Each case is different; however, I generally expect some response after about three sessions. A more complete improvement may take a further three treatments, sometimes more, depending on the severity of the problem.

In babies and children many problems such as crying, colic, sleeping and feeding difficulties may be helped. If you are not sure whether a problem is suitable for osteopathic treatment, please contact me and I will be happy to discuss further with you.

For Adults Too

While it can be highly effective at relieving symptoms cranial osteopathy aims to treat the whole person not just the condition, so a very wide range of situations may benefit from treatment. I have successfully treated back and neck pain; joint pain and sports injuries; headaches, migraines and sinus problems; stress; recurrent infection; period pain; digestive difficulties. I also see patients with M.E, M.S, depressive and anxiety symptoms. Cranial osteopathy helps to increase energy levels, improve ability to relax, and benefits general health and well-being.

Everyone is an individual, so please telephone me or send an e-mail to discuss your particular problem in more detail.

lnvoluntary Motion - The Cranial Rhythm

Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel a very subtle, rhythmical shape change that is present in all body tissues. This is called Involuntary Motion or the Cranial Rhythm. The movement is of very small amplitude, therefore it takes practitioners with a very finely developed sense of touch to feel it.

Tension in the body disrupts the cranial rhythm. Practitioners compare what your rhythm is doing to what they consider ideal. This shows them what stresses and strains your body is under at present, and what tensions it may be carrying as a result of its past history. It also gives them an insight into the overall condition of your body, for example if it is healthy, or stressed and tired.

Accumulation of stress and strain in the body

When we experience physical or emotional stresses our body tissues tend to tighten up. The body may have been able to adapt to these effects at the time, but a lasting strain often remains. Any tensions which remain held in the body can restrict its free movement. Gradually the body may find it more and more difficult to cope with accumulated stresses and symptoms may develop.

Contact me on
020 8650 0509
or E-mail at
andreas@jollybacks.co.uk