The Difference Between Cranial Osteopathy And Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy and cranial osteopathy are gaining popularity and as the names suggest, these are treatments that share an origin story. But what is it that makes them different and how can you know which one might be best for you?
The meaning of craniosacral therapy
Both cranial osteopathy and craniosacral therapy are based on osteopathy’s cranial technique. Essentially, the cranial technique addresses the body’s cranial rhythm. Almost like checking your heart rate by taking your pulse, practitioners are trained to sense this subtle rhythm in bodily tissues, and diagnose a patient based on any changes or disturbances in the rhythm that they notice. You can read more on all the ins and outs on the cranial technique, in this article in Circe’s Journal.
What disrupts the rhythm are tensions or blockages held in the body, whether from emotional or physical stress, strain or disease. During treatment a practitioner senses the disruption in the rhythm and with gentle touch releases any tension and brings it back to balance.
What makes Osteopathy and Craniosacral Therapy different?
Although they might be called different names, cranial osteopath and craniosacral therapy aren’t so different as both treatments use the same technique. The difference between them all depends on the practitioner’s background and their personal style.
There are many practitioners who specialise in craniosacral therapy and only treat patients using the cranial technique. Since cranial treatment has become more popular, different health practitioners including massage therapists, acupuncturists, physiotherapists, and chiropractors have also trained in the cranial technique and added it to their toolkit.
An osteopath may use the cranial technique in addition to other osteopathic techniques during treatment, which is when we call the treatment cranial osteopathy. Osteopaths will be able to rely on their anatomical knowledge and palpatory experience and based on that, offer a diagnosis as well as a specific treatment plan. All practitioners bring with them their unique approach, and depending on their professional background and specialties they may add other techniques to the treatment.
Finding a craniosacral therapist and osteopath for you.
On Circe you can book your treatment with a vetted, expert craniosacral therapists and osteopaths, easily online. Whether you book a treatment with an osteopath or craniosacral therapist, it is important to make sure the practitioner is qualified and registered with a regulatory body. Visit our booking page to find a vetted practitioner that matches your needs.
