What is cranial osteopathy?

Cranial osteopathy is a field of osteopathy. The therapy involves applying gentle pressure to areas of the head and spine.

Cranial osteopathy is a complementary or alternative therapy.

You might also hear this therapy called craniosacral therapy.

Who is cranial osteopathy for?

Although cranial osteopathy can be used on anybody, it’s usually done on babies.

What is cranial osteopathy used for?

Supporters of cranial osteopathy claim it can be used for a wide range of problems, including headaches and digestive problems.

The therapy’s supporters also claim that it can be used to treat a range of autism characteristics and that its benefits range from small reductions in hyperactive behaviour to major improvements in communication.

There’s no high-quality evidence that cranial osteopathy changes autism characteristics.

Where does cranial osteopathy come from?

Cranial osteopathy was first developed in the early 1900s in the United States, but it’s not clear when cranial osteopathy was first used as a therapy for autistic people.

What is the idea behind cranial osteopathy for autistic children?

The fluid that surrounds our brain and spine is called cerebrospinal fluid.

Supporters of cranial osteopathy believe that cerebrospinal fluid pulses in a rhythm. If bones in the head move or the joints between the bones become restricted, this affects how well the fluid can circulate, which affects the function of the nervous system as well as overall development. It also causes learning disorders, developmental disorders like autism and other problems. There is no scientific evidence for these ideas.

Supporters claim that gentle manipulation of the bones in the head can restore the rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid and improve its circulation.

When cranial osteopathy is used as a therapy for autistic children, supporters claim that it addresses the neurological dysfunction that causes autism. There’s no quality evidence that cranial osteopathy helps autistic children.

What does cranial osteopathy involve?

Typically, cranial osteopathy involves consultations of 30-60 minutes over a period of weeks or months. During these consultations, the practitioner uses gentle touch to manipulate the muscles and bones around the head and neck.

Does cranial osteopathy help autistic children?

There’s little or no evidence that cranial osteopathy helps autistic children.

Who offers cranial osteopathy?

Osteopaths with specific training can do cranial osteopathy.

In Australia, osteopaths are registered health practitioners regulated by the Osteopathy Board of Australia. You can check whether an osteopath is registered on the AHPRA website.

Where can you get find osteopaths?

You can find osteopaths by going to Osteopathy Australia – Find an osteo. You’ll need to ask whether your chosen osteopath specialises in cranial osteopathy.

If you’re interested in cranial osteopathy, see your GP or one of the other professionals working with your child. They can talk with you about its risks and benefits.

You could also talk about it with your NDIA planner, early childhood partner or local area coordinator, if you have one.

How are parents involved if their child is having cranial osteopathy?

If your child is having cranial osteopathy, your only involvement is taking your child to sessions.

How much does cranial osteopathy cost?

You can expect to pay $150-$200 for an initial assessment, with follow-up appointments costing $110-$150 depending on your location and the length of your sessions.

Medicare doesn’t fund this therapy. Some private health care funds will cover a portion of the consultation fee. You can claim this immediately if your provider has HICAPS.

You can contact the NDIS to find out whether you can include the cost of cranial osteopathy in your child’s NDIS plan.

Therapies and supports for autistic children range from behavioural therapies and developmental approaches to medicines and alternative therapies. When you understand the main types of therapies and supports for autistic children, it’ll be easier to work out the approach that will best suit your child.