Osteopathy in the cranial field or craniosacral osteopathy as some people refer to it as is a gentle, holistic form of osteopathic treatment. It was developed by Dr. William Sutherland (Osteopath) who was a student of the founder of osteopathy (A.T Still).
It is an integral part of the osteopathic concept and understanding the whole body’s physiology.
Cranial Osteopathy is difficult to explain but the easiest way to summarise is that an osteopath uses their palpatory skills and deep anatomical understanding to take into account the movements that happen in the skull but not just at a superficial cranial bone level. We think about all the membranous connections within the skull.
If there is a cranial strain noted (usually from birth or other physical traumas) then we aim to find the ‘neutral’ position of these bones and membranes and the body can then begin to unwind and work towards a ‘healthier’ state by bringing back the primary respiratory mechanism (PRM; read on to learn more) into balance and reducing the cranial strain pattern that was noted.
This can assist in fluid flow around the brain and into the rest of the body.
Although used a lot for infants and children whose skulls are still developing, it may also be used for adults in areas such as:
· Head and facial trauma
· Headaches and migraines
· TMJ / jaw issues including pain and clicking
· Cranial nerve issues
· Fatigue
· Chronic issues
· Pregnancy
The key concept in cranial osteopathy is the primary respiratory mechanism (PRM).
Primary Respiratory Mechanism (PRM) includes the components of:
1. Fluctuation of the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
2. The inherent motility of the Central Nervous System (CNS)
3. The function of the Reciprocal Tension Membrane (RTM)
4. The articular mobility of the Cranial Bones
5. The involuntary mobility of the Sacrum between the ilia (pelvic bones)
1. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): is a clear, watery liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing mechanical protection, delivering nutrients, and removing waste products. It circulates through the brain’s ventricles and the subarachnoid spaces, with the choroid plexus being the primary site of CSF production.
2. Central Nervous System (CNS): consists of the brain and spinal cord, acting as the body’s processing centre for receiving, integrating, and responding to sensory information. There is a flow of events in the development of the neural tube and its growth into the CNS in utero. Physiologic motion of the CNS is that the CNS shortens and lengthens with the PRM.
In health, the inherent motility of the CNS is synchronous with the fluctuation of the CSF..
3. Reciprocal Tension Membrane (RTM): refers to the dural membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, which are under constant, reciprocal tension, creating a balanced system. These membranes attach from the skull to the sacrum, forming a continuous structure that supports the central nervous system, facilitates the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and regulates the motion of cranial bones.
4. The Cranial Bones: The skull or cranium is made up of a series of bones that fit together in a way that allows some movement between the bones. Although there is a lot of movement allowed between the bones of an infant skull, to allow for the movement required for birth and brain growth. There is still a small amount of movement between the bones of the adult skull.
Cranial Rhythmic Impulse
The Cranial Rhythmic Impulse refers to the rhythmic, bi-phasic activity of the PRM.
There isn’t ‘a’ rate, there are multiple rates. It is decreased in almost all illnesses, but rarely increased.
5. Sacral mobility: refers to the subtle, inherent, and normal rhythmic movements of the sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine) and its relationship with the ilia (pelvic bones). The dura which we mentioned earlier attaches to the sacrum which makes the sacral mobility important when we are considering what is happening throughout the body and cranium.
Have you tried cranial osteopathy before? If not and you are interested to try it, please feel free to book a cranial osteopathic appointment with Dr. Amy Kivell (Osteopath).
