Cranial Osteopathy

Course Dates:

June 5-8, 2025

Course Description and Theory:

The presence of cranial dysfunction can present diagnostic challenges for the therapist who is not versed in cranial manipulation. For example, oscillation of vertebral segments and the sacrum can occur secondary to cranial dysfunction. As a result, a definitive diagnosis of segmental or sacral dysfunction will not be possible until the cranial dysfunction has been treated. Given the potential consequences of cranial dysfunction, every manual therapist should master this valuable knowledge and skill.

Course Objectives:

At the conclusion of this course, participants should be able to:

List and describe the anatomy and physiology of Sutherland’s five components of the cranial Primary Respiratory Mechanism.
Know the clinical indications and contraindications for craniosacral procedures.
Perform screening and specific suture tests to rule in or out the presence of a manipulable cranial dysfunction using an Algorithm. Identify specific suture compression. Effectively decompress dysfunctional sutures and intra-osseous strains.
Normalize uneven dural membranous tensions and restore patency to the cranial venous sinus system, recognizing when this has occurred.
Differentially diagnose sphenobasilar lesion patterns and treat any of them effectively with indirect technique.

Course Instructor:

Kai Mitchell, CMM, Dip.OMT