Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial osteopaths are trained to feel a very subtle, rhythmical shape change that is present in all body tissues called Involuntary Motion or the Cranial Rhythm. This rhythm was first described in the early 1900’s by Dr William G. Sutherland and its existence was confirmed in a series of laboratory tests in the 1960’s and ’70’s by Dr. John Upledger. Tension in the body disrupts the rhythmical motion expressed in the body tissues.

What is Cranial Osteopathy?

Cranial osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body, including the head. It is a gentle yet extremely effective approach and may be used in a wide range of conditions for people of all ages, from birth to old age.
Being a gentle treatment, it is often the technique of choice for babies and children.
The process of birth can be a stimulating one, and generally babies cope well with the forces involved in a normal labour. However, here are some examples where a retained “moulding” of the head can occur: During the pregnancy if the baby is engaged for a long time; during the birth process, if it’s taking a long time or even a very fast birth, the use of medical interventions or emergency caesarean section.
Why is moulding important? There are nerves that past between or thru the bones of the skull, when these get irritated, it will affect the function of that nerve.
For example, if the vagus nerve is affected, this will affect the digestion of the baby, leading to trouble with feeding, reflux, tummy discomfort, or just present as a general state of malcontent, irritability or difficulty sleeping.

Osteopaths believe that this moulding may contribute to a number of minor conditions of early life. Signs which indicate that cranial osteopathy may help babies are:

• Reflux, colic, had a traumatic birth, has a strong neck in the first week
• unexplained crying, arching backwards/ straightening like a board.
• latching/feeding issues, favouring to feed on one breast, excessive hiccups.
• Doesn’t like lying on back, hates being in the car seat when the car is stationary.

The Osteopath will start by taking a full health history for your baby, including details of pregnancy, birth and life so far.
This is followed by examination and treatment – light touch to the head and body to rebalance the baby & allow it to function correctly. Treatment is very much in a led by what your baby is comfortable with – breast feeding, sleeping or just lying in Mum’s lap will all work fine.
Or in the case of toddlers, a relaxed atmosphere with their favourite toys, snacks and freedom to play, treatment on the go if necessary. Treatment isn’t forced and done with the child’s permission.

Stacy Chaitoo

£45.00 - First consultation and treatment

£45.00 - Follow up treatments

Dear Stacy, I just wanted to share my news - I had my first proper feed without a nipple shield two days ago and tried again this evening mid feed and just had the most wonderful ten minutes feeding without nipple shields! I’m so delighted I can’t put it into words. I feel you’ve had a huge part to play and it certainly isn’t a coincidence. Thank you so much. I’ll be in touch as and when but just wanted to say thank you - you’ve made a huge difference to me and our breastfeeding journey so far.

Kind regards,

H. Timmins.

Cannot recommend Stacy highly enough! We took our 2 month old to Stacy after we noticed he favoured looking one way more than the other, we had some issues feeding and he would arch his back a lot and was not keen on the car seat. Stacy was brilliant with him and noticed a lot of tension. After just two sessions he was feeding better and much more comfortable in general, no more arching of the back and he was able to move his tongue around so much more! I contacted Stacy again a couple of months later as I noticed he was showing signs of tension again and was crying before we'd even put him in the car seat. Stacy said this could be a result of tension from the two lots of jabs he'd had since his last appointment. He was like a different baby after his session, so loose in his back and no crying in the car seat. We have even managed two 8 hour plus car trips (with breaks) without a single tear from him where previously he was crying as we put him in. We can't thank Stacy enough for her help and will definitely be recommending her to anyone we know!

M. Burnham

We went to Stacy when my baby was 3 months old for breastfeeding issues due to tension after a tongue tie revision. After 2 sessions, he is feeding so much better and I’m not experiencing as much pain. He also seems to feel much more relaxed! Stacy was very kind, gentle, and super helpful! I cannot recommend her enough.

A. Rocha

Stacy has been incredible in helping us manage my son’s issues with silent reflux. He had his first cranial session when he was around 2 months old and we immediately saw positive changes - he was more comfortable and less irritable in general, slept better and we saw improvements with his wind. More recently Stacy saw him again for a ‘reset’ after his 4 month jabs and again the improvement was amazing. He had been bringing up acid as a reaction to the jabs and she was able to help ease this for him instantly. I can’t recommend Stacy enough if you have an uncomfortable baby or a baby with reflux like my little boy.

J.Morse

Stacy treated my son with cranial osteopathy and he feeds so much better and feels a lot more relaxed. She listened carefully and compassionately to all our concerns and did an excellent job with him with great follow up. Highly recommended x

L. Hall

I took my baby to see Stacy for Cranial osteopathy when he was 3 weeks old following difficulties with breastfeeding. On seeing Stacy she explained how some of the other difficulties we were experiencing were linked to tension in baby’s body. We saw improvements after just one session and after 3 feeding has improved so much and we no longer experience any pain, not to mention the improvements in other areas too. Stacy is a lovely, warm, welcoming lady who is great with babies. I highly recommend. Thank you Stacy

M. Wiseman

I would definitely recommend Castle Osteopaths. We had Stacy as she is able to work with babies. I took my baby girl who was a few weeks old due to problems reflux, neck problems, feeding difficulties. I definitely feel things are a whole lot better and I am in a better place for it now that things are starting to settle. My little girl was not putting on weight at the start of the sessions but is now has no problems. If you need to see an osteopath for your baby please ask for Stacy, she is wonderful!

T Macrae