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What’s the Difference Between Cranial Osteopathy and Cranio-Sacral Therapy?
By Margaret Sorrel, DO, FCA
Confusion exists for the health care consumer between cranial osteopathy and cranio-sacral therapy. A few words of explanation may help consumers make informed choices. As always, a phone call to an individual practitioner’s office may help answer more specific questions.
Cranial osteopathy is generally performed by an osteopathic physician. It is a gentle hands-on treatment modality aimed at restoring normal body function through addressing bony, membranous, and fluid components of the central nervous system. It is particularly helpful in addressing the results of a traumatic birth, which often is apparent in babies who cry excessively, sleep poorly, have difficulty with feeding or elimination, or fail to achieve developmental milestones at appropriate times. Cranial osteopathy is based on a full knowledge of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology obtained through a complete medical curriculum and residency training.
Cranio-sacral therapy is a related modality generally performed by physical therapists, licensed massage therapists, or other allied health professionals. Cranio-sacral therapy is primarily used to balance fluids of the body to promote good central nervous system functions. It is used to address many of the same clinical problems as cranio osteopathy, but it is not based on a full medical curriculum. Cranio-sacral training varies widely. Some individuals offering cranio-sacral therapy have taken only a weekend course. Others have availed themselves of more extensive training some of which may have addressed the particular problems of infants and children.
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