Cranial Osteopathy in Plymouth

A gentle, hands-on approach tailored to you.


Cranial osteopathy is an approach within osteopathic practice that uses light-touch techniques, including gentle contact around the head and other areas of the body.


At First Touch Osteopathy, we take the time to understand your symptoms, medical history and preferences before discussing whether cranial techniques may form part of your care.


Our approach is individual, with clear explanations and your comfort and consent at the centre of every appointment.



What is Cranial Osteopathy?

Cranial osteopathy is a gentle style of osteopathic treatment that involves light contact with the head and other parts of the body.


Practitioners who use cranial techniques may incorporate them into a wider osteopathic appointment, depending on the patient's needs and preferences.


Although cranial osteopathy is often described as a gentle approach, evidence for its effectiveness in treating specific medical conditions is limited. It should not replace appropriate medical assessment or established treatments.


We'll explain any techniques we propose and discuss the available options so you can make an informed decision about your care.

What to expect at your appointment

Your appointment begins with understanding your concerns and deciding together on an appropriate approach.


1. Consultation

We'll discuss your symptoms, medical history and what you're hoping to achieve from your appointment.

We'll also ask about any previous treatments and explain whether osteopathic assessment is appropriate.


2. Assessment

Your osteopath will carry out an appropriate assessment based on your symptoms and medical history.

We'll explain our findings, discuss the available options and recommend further medical assessment if necessary.


3. Treatment and advice

Where appropriate and with your consent, your appointment may include gentle cranial techniques or other osteopathic approaches.

We'll explain what treatment involves, respond to any questions and adapt our approach to your preferences.

Treatment tailored to your comfort


Cranial techniques typically involve light contact rather than the stronger pressure or joint movements sometimes associated with other hands-on treatments.


Some patients prefer this style of treatment, particularly when they would rather avoid firmer techniques.


Your osteopath will discuss your preferences and explain the proposed approach before treatment begins.


You're welcome to ask questions, request adjustments or stop treatment at any point. Your comfort and informed consent are always important.

Cranial Osteopathy Appointments For Babies

Cranial osteopathy is a gentle, hands-on approach that some parents choose to support their baby’s comfort and wellbeing. Using light touch, osteopaths assess and treat areas of tension or restriction, with the aim of encouraging relaxation and comfort. Although it is a option for concerns such as unsettled behaviour, feeding difficulties and sleep disturbances, there is currently limited high-quality scientific evidence to support its effectiveness for these conditions. Cranial osteopathy should therefore be considered a complementary approach rather than a replacement for appropriate medical care.

Babies, Children and Teenagers

Osteopathy Prices

Our Plymouth Clinic

Our Plymouth Clinic

£85

Initial osteopathy appointment

Includes consultation, assessment and treatment where appropriate.


£50

Follow-up osteopathy appointment

Book an appointment

Our Plymouth Clinic

Our Plymouth Clinic

Our Plymouth Clinic

First Touch Osteopathy

John Moore Dental

51 Houndiscombe Road

Plymouth PL4 6EX


Street parking is available nearby.

Get directions

Headaches & TMJ FAQs

Please reach us at hello@firsttouchosteo.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Cranial osteopathy is a particular style of hands-on technique used by some osteopaths. It generally involves lighter contact than certain other osteopathic techniques. Your practitioner may use it as part of a wider osteopathic appointment.

Cranial techniques typically use light contact and do not involve the joint manipulation or clicking that some people associate with osteopathy.

Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Your osteopath will explain whether any clothing adjustments are needed for assessment or treatment and will respect your comfort and preferences.

No treatment is suitable for everybody. We'll review your medical history and symptoms before discussing whether cranial techniques are appropriate. If your concerns require medical assessment, we'll recommend the appropriate next steps.

There is no standard number of appointments. We'll discuss your options following assessment, including whether any further osteopathic treatment is appropriate.

Osteopathy

Pregnancy & Postnatal Osteopathy

Babies, Children & Teenagers

Learn more about our general osteopathic assessment and treatment.

Osteopathy

Babies, Children & Teenagers

Pregnancy & Postnatal Osteopathy

Babies, Children & Teenagers

Find out what to expect from an age-appropriate osteopathic appointment for younger patients.

Back & Neck Pain

Pregnancy & Postnatal Osteopathy

Pregnancy & Postnatal Osteopathy

Pregnancy & Postnatal Osteopathy

Information about osteopathic assessment and care during pregnancy and after birth.

Sports INJURY & REHABILITATION

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