The module aims to enhance the students’ existing knowledge and skills. Through critical reflection on their clinical practice utilising the cranial approach and identification of areas for personal and professional development the module will examine the potential of the reflective process to enhance patient care and to support practitioners in their own development.

Syllabus
• Cranial and central nervous system anatomy.
• History and principles of the cranial approach – introducing Sutherland, and the Involuntary Mechanism.
• Palpation and evaluation of the Involuntary Mechanism.
• Embryological formation of the cranium.
• Birth strain patterns.
• Application of the cranial approach within osteopathic practice.
• Indications and contra-indications within this approach.
• Exploration of evidence in support or not, of the cranial approach

(Subject Benchmark Statement: Osteopathy: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, K, N)

Case history presentation and viva, 80% - Presentation of (a) case history(ies) focussing on patient management and treatment, in particular where the student faced complex or challenging or unexpected circumstances. (Learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5)

Reflective Essay, 20% - 500 words reflecting on personal development during and on completion of the module (Learning outcome 5)

All elements of the module assessment must be passed in order to complete the module.


Students will have a formative assessment opportunity on the choice of case(s) and the reflective essay with feedback

Contact Hours (15)
Lectures – 15

Independent Study (135)
Directed home study – 35
Self- directed study - 100

Chaitow, L. (2005) ‘Cranial Manipulation Theory and Practice’ , China: Churchill Livingstone.

Fryman, V. (2000) ‘The Collected Papers of Viola Fryman’ USA: Edward Brothers.

Haines, S (2011) Cranial Intelligence: A Practical Guide to Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Kingsley, London

Sergueef, N. (2007) Cranial Osteopathy for Infants and Children; a practical handbook. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh

Students must have successfully completed Clinical Osteopathy 1-4 unless exemption has been agreed.

1. Critically evaluate the suitability of the cranial approach for a variety of conditions drawing on a detailed knowledge of underpinning principles and biomedical sciences and demonstrating an understanding of the scope of cranial practice and its boundaries. (OPS: D1, D2, D3, C1, C2)
Analysis, Knowledge & Understanding

2. Synthesise information from a number of sources, including published literature, in order to gain an integrated and coherent understanding of cranial theory and practice (OPS: B2, B4, D3)
Enquiry

3. Maintain appropriate and professional case records (documenting initial presentation, diagnosis, treatments carried out) including the evaluation of therapeutic responses (OPS: D2, D3)
Analysis, Communication

4. Apply professional judgement to propose and apply appropriate treatment to clinical cases (OPS: A5, C1, C2, C7, D3, D14)
Application

5. Utilise effective verbal and written communication by presenting information in an appropriate form.(OPS: A1, A3, D2, D4)
Communication

6. Reflect on and critically evaluate their own clinical practice and use this to formulate plans for developing greater proficiency in their practice. (OPS: B3, B4)
Reflection

Students have access and can borrow books from any other university library participating in the SCONUL scheme.