Orofacial myology & cranial osteopathy
Two gentle approaches Mardi has a particular interest in. She has completed training in both and uses them as part of her broader osteopathic care, so they can be included in your treatment without needing to book something separate.
Orofacial myology
Orofacial myology looks at the strength and function of the muscles of the face, mouth, tongue and jaw, and how they work together when we chew, swallow, breathe, speak and rest.
Mardi brings this into her osteopathic work by looking at how the jaw, head and neck function together. Treatment may include hands-on work, plus specific exercises for the jaw, tongue and face that you practise at home.
What a session is like
You stay fully clothed, and Mardi will explain what she’s doing as she goes. She’ll look at how your jaw, face, head and neck move and work together, then use gentle hands-on techniques. If exercises are part of your plan, she’ll show you each one in the session so you’re confident doing them at home.
Cranial osteopathy
Cranial osteopathy was developed by Dr William Garner Sutherland, a student of osteopathy's founder, Dr A.T. Still. It's a gentle, hands-on approach that uses light, sustained touch, mainly around the head, neck, spine and pelvis. Sutherland's ideas focus on the subtle movement and relationships of the tissues in these areas, including the bones and membranes of the skull. Many people find it calm and relaxing.
It's often chosen by people who prefer a softer style of treatment, including children. Research into cranial osteopathy is limited, so Mardi uses it as one part of a broader, individualised treatment plan rather than on its own.
What a session is like
You stay fully clothed and lie comfortably on the treatment table. Mardi uses very light pressure, and you can talk through anything you notice along the way. Most sessions combine cranial techniques with other hands-on work, movement and advice.
Not sure if it's right for you?
Get in touch and Mardi can talk you through what’s involved before you book.