Treatments

Cranial Osteopathy

WHAT IS CRANIAL OSTEOPATHY AND WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN OSTEOPATH AND A CRANIAL OSTEOPATH?

Cranial osteopathy is a manual form of holistic therapy which aims to restore the body to balance. Cranial osteopaths are fully qualified, registered osteopaths who use cranial-sacral osteopathic techniques.


SO DO CRANIAL OSTEOPATHS ONLY TREAT PROBLEMS WITH THE HEAD?

No! Although the name implies this, cranial osteopaths treat anything, anywhere in the body.


HOW DOES IT WORK?

Cranial osteopaths use careful palpation to assess the subtle movements of the cranial bones, spine, pelvis, arms and legs. They also assess the membranes surrounding the brain and central nervous system, as well as the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Wherever tensions are found, they will use delicate techniques to release them and return the body to normal function.


WHO DO CRANIAL OSTEOPATHS SEE?

Everyone! Our patients include: pregnant women (antenatal and postpartum), newborn babies, toddlers, children, teenagers, adults and the elderly.


WHAT DO CRANIAL OSTEOPATHS TREAT?

Aches and Pains (general and specific) • Arthritic Pain • Backache • Back Pain • Circulatory Problems (local or minor) • Cramp • Digestion Problems • Fibromyalgia (Fibrositis) • Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis) • Inability to Relax • Joint Pains • Lower Back Tension/Soreness/Stiffness • Lumbago • Muscle Spasms • Muscle Tension • Neuralgia • Non-Specific Low Back Pain • Rheumatic Pain • Rheumatism • Sciatica • Spasms • Sports Injuries (minor) • Tension

It is important to remember that cranial osteopaths treat the body as a whole, rather than focusing on any one particular medical condition, and are always looking for the underlying cause(s) of the problem, which may not be at the site of pain.


IS THERE ANY RESEARCH?

A 2003 research study in the USA (‘The Use of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment as Adjuvant Therapy in Children With Recurrent Acute Otitis Media’, authors: Miriam V Mills MD; Charles E Henley DO MPH; Laura LB Barnes PhD; Jane E Carreiro DO; Brian F Degenhardt DO) into the efficacy of osteopathic manipulative treatment for recurrent acute otitis media (Glue Ear) in children concluded: “The results of this study suggest a potential benefit of osteopathic manipulative treatment as adjuvant therapy in children with recurrent acute otitis media; it may prevent or decrease surgical intervention or antibiotic overuse.”

A 2006 research study in the UK (‘A Preliminary Assessment of the Impact of Cranial Osteopathy for the Relief of Infantile Colic’, authors: Clive Hayden DO; Brenda Mullinger) into the effects of cranial osteopathic treatment on babies, concluded that: “Some parents perceived the following changes in their children’s behaviour: reduced colicky crying, improved sleep, less unsettled irritable behaviour and increased quiet happy spells.”


TESTIMONIALS:

“When Gabriela was only a few weeks old she started having reflux and seemed generally unsettled. It was particularly bad, so a friend suggested cranial osteopathy. My husband and I could see the results straight away and after just four treatments of cranial osteopathy she was a lot better. It also helped her to have correct sleeping posture.” Madelein, Gabriela’s mother.

“Our son Shawn has asthma and is dyspraxic, he is also very active and hardly sleeps. A friend of ours suggested we take Shawn to see a cranial osteopath. My partner was well up for this, but I was pretty sceptical as I didn't see how it could help. To my amazement Shawn fell asleep during the first treatment! Since then he has slept up to eight hours at night, which means we can get some sleep, and incredibly the other day we had to wake him up in the morning.” Mark, Shawn’s father.

“When I became pregnant for the fourth time I was determined to have a normal delivery, as two of my previous births had been breech and required Caesarean sections. At around 30 weeks I had a scan which showed that the baby was in the breech position. I had a cranial osteopathy treatment a week for three weeks, which helped me to feel less anxious and more in control of the birth. When I had the next scan it showed that the baby was now presenting head down - I was extremely happy! A month later I had a normal delivery with no complications and now I have a beautiful baby girl.” Ms Silva, mother of four.

“I was absolutely amazed by the changes even one session of cranial osteopathy brought about. My headaches disappeared immediately, as did the night-sweats.” Dr Osthaus, University Lecturer.

“I get regular headaches, tinnitus, neck pain and feel continually rundown. A trauma counsellor suggested cranial osteopathy, I wasn't sure how it could help but I was willing to try anything. The treatments were very gentle and incredibly my drive and energy have started to return. I now have many days when I do not wake up with a headache and on these days I am beginning to feel like my old self again.” Mrs Hannibal, Headmistress.

(All testimonials used are genuine and are from patients of Maria Sonberg D.O. and John Carr D.O. Please bear in mind that they are the opinions of ordinary people and do not represent research based scientific fact. These testimonials have been edited to shorten and clarify them, for the full versions please go to the ‘Testimonials Page’ at: www.thelondonosteopaths.com)


WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I SEE THE CRANIAL OSTEOPATH?

The case history and clinical examination are the same as when seeing an osteopath. Treatment is undertaken with the patient lying on their back while the cranial osteopath gently contacts certain areas of the body: namely the head, back, sacrum (base of the spine) and any sites of pain or dysfunction – for example the knee. It is best to wear loose, comfortable clothing.


DOES IT HURT?

Treatment is very gentle, which is why cranial osteopaths see so many pregnant mums and newborn babies. Often the patient will fall asleep during treatment.


HOW LONG DOES A TREATMENT TAKE AND HOW MANY WILL I NEED?

The first treatment usually lasts about 1 hour, follow-up treatments around 45 minutes. Some problems may only need 2 or 3 treatments, more serious or long-term problems will often require more. The cranial osteopath will discuss the diagnosis and prognosis with the patient during the first treatment and explain how many treatments they feel might be needed.


WHAT ARE THE FEES?

Initial Consultation, Assessment and Treatment (60mins): £60; £50 for concessions

Follow-up Treatments (45mins*): £50; £40 for concessions

Concessions include: children under 18, OAPs and full-time students (please bring proof of your concession).

* Maria and John like to take 45 minutes with continuing treatments so that they have the time to fully discuss health issues with their patients, offer them advice and properly demonstrate the exercises & stretches they have given them.

Throughout July, August and September Maria and John are offering all their treatments at their concessionary rate. So that is only £50 for an initial consultation and £40 for follow ups, making this a great time to sort out all those niggling aches and pains. Call 020 86732163 to book.


CAN I CLAIM THE FEES ON MY HEALTH INSURANCE?

Maria Sonberg and John Carr are registered with most insurance companies – often they will pay the total fee or part of the amount. We advise you to check with your insurers first, as you may need a referral from your GP.


WHAT IS THE TRAINING?

Maria and John both successfully completed a 4 year full-time Bachelor of Science Honours Degree and Diploma in Osteopathy at the European School of Osteopathy. This included undergraduate training in cranial, maternal, paediatric and visceral osteopathic techniques. They continually undertake post-graduate cranial, paediatric, maternal & biodynamic osteopathy courses & seminars and attend medical lectures to keep their practice and knowledge up to date with the latest research.


WHAT IS THE HISTORY?

Cranial Osteopathy was developed over 70 years ago by an American osteopath – William Garner Sutherland D.O. (a student of Andrew Taylor Still M.D. – the founder of Osteopathy). In 1899 Dr Sutherland first deduced that the bones in the head might articulate (move) with each other and were not fused, as was believed at the time. He spent the next 40 years studying the anatomy and physiology of the cranium and experimenting with techniques before in 1939 publishing his seminal work: ‘The Cranial Bowl’. Dr Sutherland described his techniques as “Osteopathy in the Cranial Field” because he wanted to clarify that they were ‘osteopathic’ in origin and not a separate form of therapy. Cranial osteopathy predates all other forms of cranial-sacral, craniosacral, sacro-occipital and somato-emotional release therapies.