I use gentle cranial therapy (also known as craniosacral therapy or CST) to help you with a variety of problems, including back pain, sciatica, neck and shoulder pain.
I understand how frustrating it is to not be able to do what you want to do because of pain or restriction. Also pain can affect how you feel on a daily basis, making you tired and unhappy. I aim to get you better as quickly as possible so you can live life to the full again.
I will listen to why you have come to see me and ask questions about your problem, medical history and your lifestyle. I observe your posture and movements, and use hands on examination so I can find the root cause of your problem. I always consider you as a ‘whole person’ not just a neck or back.
I work with you to help your pain as quickly as possible with treatment and advice. Treatment is always bespoke to you. Each person is different, so I gauge how your body will respond to different techniques. I always aim to get you better with as few treatments as needed.
Most adults need between 3 and 6 sessions usually on a weekly basis. I will space your treatment sessions further apart as quickly as possible so you don’t spend money unnecessarily.
Each person is different and I will discuss with you your realistic recovery time. A long term problem may require more sessions.
Sometimes people like to have a treatment every so often as ‘maintenance’ to reduce their likelihood of problems.
You are more than welcome to bring a chaperone with you to any of your appointments. Please be aware that of course they will then hear what we are discussing, which includes your medical history.
It is not compulsory for you to undress, and you are welcome to wear shorts/leggings/vest top.
However, please note sometimes it can be useful for working out what is happening with your body to see how your body is moving, so sometimes you may be asked to temporarily remove clothing from an area being examined. You can then replace the clothing for treatment. If you are uncomfortable with this, then just let me know and we can work around it.
Cranial Treatment is very gentle. However sometimes, I may use additional structural techniques such as massage and stretching or articulation of a joint which may be uncomfortable. I will let you know during the session, and if you prefer a different technique to be used you can let me know.
You can generally be expected to be sore and achey after treatment for 2-3 days.
Cranial therapy is very gentle but very effective. Often people can’t feel much when being treated cranially but notice the improvements in their symptoms and a common comment at the next session is “I feel better but you didn’t seem to do anything!”. Cranial therapy works gently through the body’s restrictions and the natural tiny movements of the bones, fluid and fascia.
Yes I have a card machine so can accept all cards including American Express.
At your first session you will have a detailed consultation, examination, hands on treatment and advice.
You are welcome to bring a chaperone with you to each of your appointments.
I will listen to why you have come to see me and how your problem has impacted your life. I will then ask questions about your issue, together with some medical questions. This is to screen for any potential medical issues.
For this part your may be asked to undress, or you can wear a vest top and leggings or shorts. There is also a modesty gown for you if you prefer too. You will be asked to stand, and perform some simple movements while I stand behind you and observe how your back or neck is moving.
Then you will be asked to lie on the plinth, and hands on examination will look at your problem area as well as other areas of your body that maybe related to the problem.
If needed, neurological, orthopaedic and other medical testing will be performed. Once your problem has been diagnosed I will discuss this with you and what treatment is needed.
Your treatment is bespoke, using a mixture of joint articulation, stretching, soft tissue work on your ligaments and muscles, and cranial osteopathy.
At the end of your treatment you will be offered advice on how to care for yourself, and as you get better how to help stop your issue from happening again.