Cranial Osteopathy in London

Cranial osteopathy is a gentle, non-manipulative form of osteopathic treatment that works with the subtle rhythms and movements of the skull, spine and nervous system. Despite the name, cranial osteopathy is not limited to the head — it is a whole-body approach that can be applied anywhere in the body to release tension, support recovery and restore balance.

At our Central London (Old Street), Beckenham and Orpington clinics, David Canevaro BSc (Hons) — a GOsC-registered osteopath with over 25 years of specialist experience — provides cranial osteopathy for adults, children, pregnant women and babies. His approach is calm, considered and deeply respectful of each patient’s individual needs.

How Does Cranial Osteopathy Work?

The human skull is not a single solid bone. It is made up of 22 individual bones joined together by flexible seams called sutures. These bones move — very slightly, but measurably — in response to the rhythmic flow of cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord, and to the gentle expansion and contraction of brain tissue as blood pulses through it.
This movement creates what osteopaths call the cranial rhythmic impulse (CRI) — a subtle tide-like motion felt throughout the body, not just in the head. Cranial osteopaths develop a highly refined sense of touch — palpation — to feel these rhythms and identify areas where they are restricted, asymmetrical or absent.
By applying extremely light, precise pressure — often so gentle the patient feels little more than a hand resting on their body — the osteopath encourages restricted tissues to release, restoring normal fluid movement, reducing compression and allowing the nervous system to recalibrate.
This is not massage. It is not manipulation. It is a listening, responsive form of treatment that works with the body’s own capacity for self-correction.

What Can Cranial Osteopathy Help With?

Cranial osteopathy is used for a broad range of conditions affecting both adults and babies. Some of the most common presentations include:

For adults:
– Headaches and migraines — including tension-type, cervicogenic and sinus-related headaches
– Chronic stress and nervous system overwhelm
– Neck pain and jaw pain (TMJ dysfunction)
– Tinnitus and balance disorders
– Insomnia and sleep disturbance
– Digestive problems linked to nervous system dysregulation
– Anxiety and fatigue
– Pelvic pain and menstrual problems

For pregnant women:
– Pelvic pain and sacroiliac joint dysfunction
– Supporting healthy fetal positioning
– Lower back pain during pregnancy
– Stress, insomnia and tension

For babies and infants:
– Unsettled, irritable or constantly crying babies
– Difficulty feeding or latching
– Colic, reflux and digestive distress
– Head shape concerns following a difficult birth
– Torticollis (preferred head turning) or neck tension
– Sleep problems in infants

Cranial osteopathy is particularly effective after a difficult or prolonged labour, where compression and strain on the baby’s skull and nervous system can contribute to persistent distress even weeks after delivery. View all conditions we treat →

Is Cranial Osteopathy Safe?

Yes. Cranial osteopathy is one of the safest forms of manual therapy. The techniques used are extremely gentle — the practitioner applies no more than 5 grams of pressure (the weight of a coin resting on your skin). There is no cracking, twisting or forceful manipulation.
It is safe for:
– Newborn babies (from a few days old)
– Pregnant women (at any stage)
– Elderly patients
– Those with fragile health or acute pain

David takes a full medical history before treatment and adapts his approach to your individual presentation. If cranial osteopathy is not appropriate for your condition, he will advise an alternative treatment pathway.

What to Expect During a Cranial Osteopathy Session

Many patients are surprised at how subtle cranial osteopathy feels. Here is what typically happens:
– Assessment
David begins by taking a thorough case history — your symptoms, medical history, lifestyle and what you hope to achieve from treatment. For babies, he will ask about the pregnancy, labour and delivery, and the baby’s feeding, sleep and general behaviour.
– Treatment
You (or your baby) will lie comfortably on a treatment couch. David places his hands gently on the head, spine, sacrum or other relevant areas and listens to the cranial rhythms — feeling for areas of restriction, compression or imbalance.
The treatment itself feels calm and still. David’s hands may barely seem to move. Many patients — and most babies — become deeply relaxed and some fall asleep during the session.
– Response
Some people feel an immediate sense of relief or lightness. Others notice changes gradually over 24–48 hours. Babies often sleep more deeply or feed more calmly after treatment. Cranial osteopathy works with the body’s own healing mechanisms — the changes come from within, not from external force.
Sessions typically last 45–60 minutes for adults, 30 minutes for babies.

Cranial Osteopathy for Babies — What Parents Should Know

Birth is a powerful physical event. Even an uncomplicated delivery involves enormous compression forces on the baby’s skull as they pass through the birth canal. In most cases, the baby’s head shape normalises naturally in the first few days as they yawn, suckle and cry.
But sometimes — particularly after a prolonged labour, forceps or ventouse delivery, or breech presentation — residual compression remains. This can affect the baby’s comfort, feeding ability and nervous system regulation, leading to:

Persistent crying or fussiness
Difficulty latching or feeding
Reflux and digestive problems
Preference for turning the head to one side
Flattened or asymmetrical head shape
Sleep disturbance

Cranial osteopathy for babies is extraordinarily gentle. David uses the lightest touch to release compression in the skull, neck and spine, allowing the baby’s body to settle into a more comfortable, balanced state. Most babies respond very well — parents often report calmer behaviour, better feeding and improved sleep within a few sessions.
If your baby experienced a difficult birth or continues to be unsettled despite reassurance from your midwife or health visitor, cranial osteopathy may help.

Cranial Osteopathy During Pregnancy

Pregnancy places unique demands on the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. As the baby grows, the pelvis widens, the spine changes curve, and the body’s centre of gravity shifts. Many women experience:
– Lower back and pelvic pain
– Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
– Tension headaches
– Stress and sleep problems
– Anxiety about labour and delivery

Cranial osteopathy provides a safe, gentle way to support the body through these changes. Treatment can:
– Reduce pelvic and spinal tension
– Encourage optimal fetal positioning
– Support nervous system balance
– Prepare the pelvis for labour

David also works with women in the postnatal period to address any aches, strains or exhaustion following delivery — using cranial osteopathy alongside osteopathic manual therapy where needed.

Clinic Locations & Fees

David provides cranial osteopathy at all three clinic locations:

Central London — Old Street
325–327 Old Street, Hoxton, London EC1V 9LE
Tel: 020 7127 8771

Beckenham
22 Oakfield Gardens, Beckenham, Kent BR3 3AZ
Tel: 020 3633 6132

Orpington / Petts Wood
1a West Way, Petts Wood, Orpington BR5 1LN

Fees:

Adults: From £99 (60 minutes)
Babies / infants: From £75 (30 minutes)

View full fee schedule →
Recognised by AXA Health, BUPA and Aviva.

Book a Cranial Osteopathy Appointment

Whether you are seeking gentle treatment for headaches, stress or chronic tension — or support for your baby following a difficult birth — David Canevaro provides compassionate, expert cranial osteopathy care at our Central London, Beckenham and Orpington clinics.
Book an Appointment Online → /book-an-appointment/
Safe for all ages · GOsC registered · 25+ years experience.