Visceral osteopathy and cranial osteopathy are techniques used within normal osteopathic practice. They are not separate professions in their own right.

CranioSacral Therapy should not be confused with a cranial approach within osteopathy. A CranioSacral Therapist is not governed by The General Osteopathic Council and has not undertaken the full osteopathic training required by an osteopath.

Cranial Osteopathy is an integral part of some osteopaths practice. The osteopath concerned should have attended one of the recognised courses of postgraduate education in order to obtain expertise in this field. Cranial osteopathy is a refined and subtle type of osteopathic treatment that encourages the release of stresses and tensions throughout the body, including the head.
It is a gentle yet extremely effective approach and may be used in a wide range of conditions for people of all ages, from birth to old age.

The interconnection between the internal organs, the spine, and dis-ease states is fundamental to an understanding of osteopaths practice. Sometimes the organs can give symptoms that mimic or lead to spinal dysfunction and pain. Sometimes it is the reverse when the spinal problem leads on to visceral dysfunction. Visceral techniques in osteopathy involve the use of very specific and gentle unwinding of the supporting ligaments and fascia that support the internal organs. The treatment of visceral scar tissue and long-standing dysfunctional states in cases of Irritable Bowel Syndrome or chronic period pain are just two examples of this sort of approach.