Cranial Osteopathy
Cranial Osteopathy is the study of anatomy and physiology of the cranium and its
inter-relationship with the body as a whole. It may be applied for the prevention
and treatment of disease and enhancement of health within the practice of the
science of osteopathy. Osteopathic Principles focus on the natural motion within
the body's structure and its relationship to function.
The DO learns how to restore health by applying osteopathic principles in the practice
of hands-on treatment. Osteopathic knowledge and treatment considers the musculoskeletal
system to be an extremely important but often neglected aspect of total health. It must also be emphasized that
osteopathy considers the inter-relationships of all physiologic systems(e.g., neurological, respiratory, digestive, etc.).
Cranial Osteopathy is an expansion of the general principles of osteopathy which includes a special understanding
of the central nervous system and a mechanism called primary respiration. Those who wish to practice Cranial Osteopathy
train intensively through post-graduate studies.
William Garner Sutherland, DO (1873-1954), discovered, developed and taught Cranial Osteopathy in the early to mid-1900s.
Dr. Sutherland referred to his discovery as “Osteopathy in the Cranial Field” (OCF). Dr. Sutherland was the first to perceive
a subtle palpable movement within the bones of the cranium. He went on to discover the continuity of this rhythmic fluid
movement throughout all tissues of the body.
As the lungs breathe and the heart beats with a rhythmic alternating expansion and contraction, the central nervous system (CNS)
also has its own involuntary rhythmic motion. Dr. Sutherland described this inherent activity of the CNS as a respiratory motion
with “inhalation” and “exhalation” phases, which he called ‘primary respiration’. The hands of a skilled osteopathic physician
connect directly with the primary respiratory mechanism to bring about a therapeutic response.
Primary respiration is the guiding principle; it is the inherent intelligence within. This Primary Respiratory Motion actually expresses
itself through every cell of the body, influencing all body functions. Physicians trained in Cranial Osteopathy can place their hands
on any part of the patient to perceive and influence this important mechanism.
Who Would Benefit?
Cranial Osteopathy, (also known as Osteopathy in the Cranial Field), can help people with many different disease processes. Treatment
restores motion, improves vitality, and brings about a higher state of function. Because the focus is on health and the individual, rather
than the disease, patients with virtually any condition may benefit. While Cranial Osteopathy is not a cure-all, the cranial concept often
has provided a missing piece of the puzzle for many patients suffering from a wide range of symptoms that continue to challenge physicians
in all specialties.
When Is Treatment Indicated?
Cranial Osteopathy can be used from the moment of birth until the end of life. Since the ability to heal persists throughout life, patients of
all ages can benefit from this gentle treatment approach. This is especially true for those that are sensitive or when injury or pain might
make other hands-on treatment approaches difficult or intolerable. Each patient is unique with his or her own constitutional vitality and
history of trauma. Consequently, each patient will respond differently to treatment.
Dr. Philpott specializes in Cranial Osteopathy
If you would like to learn more about Osteopathy, please click:
Osteopathic Medicine
To learn about Osteopathic training, please click:
Osteopathic Education
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