Osteopathic Manipulation Medicine and Cranial Osteopathy

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) and Cranial Osteopathy are related but distinct therapeutic approaches within the field of osteopathic medicine. Both are based on osteopathic principles and aim to promote the body's natural healing abilities, but they differ in their focus and techniques.

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM): OMM is a comprehensive system of hands-on techniques used by osteopathic physicians (DOs) to diagnose, treat, and prevent illness or injury. DOs are fully licensed medical doctors who receive specialized training in OMM during their medical education. OMM encompasses a wide range of techniques, including:

• Soft Tissue Techniques: Gentle manipulation of muscles and connective tissues to improve range of motion, reduce muscle tension, and enhance blood flow.
• Joint Mobilization: Techniques to restore normal joint function, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain in the musculoskeletal system.
• Muscle Energy Techniques: A form of stretching and muscle contraction to correct joint alignment and imbalances.
• Counterstrain: Gentle positional release techniques to reduce muscle spasms and pain.
• Cranial Osteopathy (Craniosacral Therapy): Cranial osteopathy, also known as craniosacral therapy, is a specialized form of osteopathic manipulative medicine that focuses on the head (cranium), spinal column, and sacrum (the triangular bone at the base of the spine). The cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord generates a subtle rhythm, and restrictions in this rhythm can lead to health issues.

In cranial osteopathy, practitioners use a very gentle touch to assess and treat imbalances or restrictions in the cranial and sacral structures.  Clients are recommended to wear loose fitting or athletic clothing, and they will lie fully clothed, on a massage table for their treatment.

Cranial osteopathy is often used to treat conditions such as headaches, musculoskeletal pain, chronic pain, neck or back pain, insomnia, sinus issues, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and neurological disorders. 

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and Cranial Osteopathy are used to treat the whole person and supporting the body's natural healing processes.