Cranial Osteopathy

I use a variety of techniques in my work, however, the majority of my work is Cranial Osteopathy. This is a very gentle, yet extremely effective form of treatment that can be used for a wide range of problems. Although the name implies treatment to the head, it can be used to treat any part of the body.

The Cranial Rhythm, or Involuntary Mechanism (IVM) is a subtle, rhythmical, wave like motion that passes through the body. Any disruption to this rhythm in one or more parts of the body can cause a disruption in the functioning of the bones and tissues. Cranial Osteopaths will assess this Involuntary Motion in the cranial bones, spinal bones, pelvis and limbs to see whether anything is preventing a healthy state of movement of the tissues.

Many things can affect the Involuntary Motion, including physical trauma or emotional trauma. Most horses have been exposed to some kind of trauma at some point in their lives. Even if the body seemed to cope with the trauma at the time the effects may be longer lasting than you realised. As time passes the tensions may build up and gradually the body may find it more and more difficult to cope with the buildup of stresses and strains. Only then will symptoms start to show.

Cranial Osteopathy can normalise these disruptions within the Involuntary Mechanism therefore releasing tensions and stresses from the body. Cranial Osteopathy is an extremely gentle form of treatment and often patients will not feel anything at all during the treatment, only noticing the changes afterwards. Others may feel a warmth or change in sensation in areas of their body during treatment or they may feel sleepy after treatment. Horses will often shift their weight, drop their head and have periods of chewing or yawning during a treatment in response to any changes taking place.