Cranial osteopathy is effective for many problems both in the pre-partum and post-partum period. I have also used it to treat infertility caused wholly or in part by biomechanical problems. During pregnancy, I use cranial osteopathy to help a woman’s body adapt to the changes and effectively treat things like nausea, backache, headaches, sciatica, symphysis pubis dysfunction and more.

In the post-partum period cranial osteopathy is effective for helping alleviate post-partum depression, encouraging proper wound healing and helping the body recover after pregnancy and childbirth. In cases where a long period of time has elapsed since labour, e.g. years, cranial osteopathy is effective in cases of chronic problems including perineal pain, post-operative pain and scar healing. Pain on sexual intercourse may also respond to treatment.

Babies both in and out of the womb can benefit from cranial osteopathy. As the end of the pregnancy approaches the baby should be dropping into the best position for birth. If the baby appears to be stuck on the bones of the mother’s pelvis or for some other reason not in the optimum position, osteopathy and cranial osteopathy may help them move into a better position.

During the birth process, there are large compressive pressures on the baby’s head. Often the baby will have an altered headshape and may be uncomfortable and crying. To a certain extent the baby can self-correct the moulding that occurs during the birth process. Frequently, however, there is incomplete resolution of the moulding. Treatment with cranial osteopathy helps to complete this process, enabling the nervous system and brain to develop to their highest potential .

The birth itself can be traumatic, especially if forceps or vacuum extraction were needed. Even Caesarian section can be difficult if there was a prolonged period of labour beforehand. This can produce an irritable, sleepless baby who doesn’t feed well. Cranial osteopathy uses subtle techniques that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of the baby’s distress. This results in a calmer, happier baby.

Babies who have had 'normal' births can benefit from treatment too. There can be hidden problems that are easy to resolve when young, but become more entrenched and difficult to treat as time goes by. A check-up soon after birth and regularly for the first year, can help ensure that the baby develops to their full potential.

Babies born prematurely benefit from treatment that calms them and promotes development while enhancing their vitality. It may be possible with treatment, (and the consent of their doctor), for medication to be reduced and babies taken off a ventilator or a continuous positive air pressure device (CPAP). The sooner a baby is treated, the better. While it is possible to correct some things even as an adult, it is much easier, more complete and more effective to treat a problem as soon as it appears.

In addition, anesthetics and other forms of pain relief can make a baby sluggish and unresponsive. Cranial osteopathy helps the baby quickly clear these substances from their body.

Osteopathy and cranial osteopathy are effective for treating older babies and children too. I treat a range of problems from chronic and acute illnesses to some behavioural problems and learning difficulties. Allergies, asthma and constant colds can be alleviated or improved. Constipation is a common, but often unrecognized, condition in children. For this problem I would treat biomechanical obstructions to gut function and discuss how the child’s diet and activity levels may be affecting the bowel.

In the autumn and winter I see quite a few children with glue ear or ear infections.
Some cases respond very quickly, with drainage occuring immediately after treatment. Others take longer to respond and I have suggested dietary changes and concurrent treatment with homeopathy. Over the years I have found that many of these children were able to avoid having drainage tubes inserted into their ears.

I have also noticed a correlation between glue ear, impaired hearing and behavioural problems. After treatment, when the ears were draining properly and the child could hear again, behaviour improved. You can imagine the frustration of a child who cannot hear their teacher or their friends; they become disruptive and aggressive. Learning suffers and so do social relations.

In behavioural problems, which often accompany learning difficulties, one must look at a number of contributing factors. These include the pregnancy and birth. A pregnancy that was stressful, for whatever reason, can lead to an angry and upset child. On the other hand, if the birth was difficult and there were moments when the baby was stressed or felt at risk of dying, then an insecure, fearful child may be the result. These children can benefit from cranial osteopathy because it addresses the emotional issues through their physiological effects. An example of this would be a child with breathing difficulties due to fear experienced at or around the time of their birth. Osteopathy and cranial osteopathy can be used to improve breathing mechanics, helping to resolve the emotional cause.

Children are prone to accidents and injuries while playing or while engaging in sports. I have treated bumps to the head, blows to the face, back pain and joint strains. Treatment speeds up the healing process and prevents ‘knock-on’ effects developing in other parts of the body. The alignment of teeth can be a problem for children too. As they grow, some children find that they need orthodontic treatment. I use osteopathy to help a child’s mouth, jaw and body adapt to the changes produced by dental appliances.

Osteopathy and cranial osteopathy for seniors has many benefits including improved mobility, less pain and reduced need for pain medication. Many seniors find that osteopathy helps to ‘keep them going’, maintaining their independence and autonomy. Others notice that they feel ‘better in themselves’. My oldest patient was in her late 80’s and was having back pain from severe osteoporosis. I was able to treat her through her corset to keep her comfortable and mobile.

Osteopathy is a safe, effective and versatile form of natural medicine. It does not use drugs or surgery and is an alternative and complementary form of healthcare.