Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial Osteopathy

Cranial osteopathy is not different to osteopathy, it is the name given to a subtle and refined approach to osteopathy that follows all the principles of osteopathy, and it is used throughout the body not just in the head. The name cranial osteopathy simply refers to the fact that it includes the structures inside the head.
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What is Cranial Osteopathy?


Cranial osteopaths use a highly developed sense of touch to feel subtle changes of tension and tissue quality in the living anatomy of the whole body, and to diagnose areas of strain or dysfunction.

The osteopath is often drawn to areas in the body that have been affected by past events, such as old accidents and injuries. The body may have learned to compensate for a traumatic event or injury and the patient may be unaware that there is anything wrong, but the effects may still be present and relevant to current symptoms.

Diagnosis and treatment are intimately linked as the osteopath works to activate the innate ability of the body to heal itself, and by offering gentle and specific support where it is needed to bring the tissues into a state of balance and release, to restore it to health.

Using this approach, the osteopath learns to listen to and be guided by the body’s inner knowledge of what is wrong, which may be different to the patient’s opinion and the osteopath’s opinion. This helps the osteopath to understand and treat the cause of the symptoms and reduce the chance of symptoms returning in the future.

Cranial osteopathy is a gentle, safe and effective approach to treatment of a wide range of problems in the whole body.
Martin Coleman
  • Martin Coleman, Registered Osteopath and Naturopath ND, DO, DPO

    Martin has been working in healthcare since leaving school. He studied for a combined nursing degree with psychology and then worked in cardiac and general intensive care units over 10 years. He also found time to study for an occupational nursing certificate and has worked in industry as an occupational health nurse advisor, wherefrom he derived an interest in health and safety issues, particularly working to prevent the musculo-skeletal injuries that result from occupational activity. He then retrained as an osteopath, qualifying with an honours degree in osteopathic medicine and a Naturopathic diploma.


    Martin has a hands on approach to health care. He describes himself as a holistic practitioner who looks after the physical and psychological aspects of a patient’s health. He very much views one of the osteopath’s roles as inspiring individuals to look after themselves in a therapeutic relationship between the osteopath and the patient. He has completed the Paediatric Diploma in Osteopathy at the Osteopathic Centre for Children. He now offers specialist paediatric care with structural and cranial approaches.


    Martin is married with two children and actively supports them in their 101 activities including stints at the ice rink and refereeing his son’s football team. He keeps fit by playing tennis and running. In 2008 he ran the London marathon and raised £1,600 for muscular dystrophy research. He is also a keen long distance walker and is keen on rugby and football, supporting London Irish and Tottenham Hotspur. He tries to be nice to Arsenal fans when they venture into the practice . . . !

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