It is not obligatory to be on the pathway to do any of our modules, but the same entry levels apply.

Below is a summary of each module. For information on current courses, see schedule

Module 1: Foundation Course

Module 2 and 3: Osteopathy in the Cranial Field

Module 4: WG Sutherland's Osteopathic Approach to the Body as a Whole

Module 5: In Reciprocal Tension

Module 6: The Dynamic Basicranium

Module 7: The Spark in the Motor

Module 8: The Functional Face

Module 9: Introduction to Paediatric Osteopathy

Module 1: Foundation Course

The foundation course may be run on three separate days or as a four day residential course and includes pre-course and post-course home study packs.

Course content:

• Basic cranial anatomy and landmarks
• Introduction to embryology
• Case studies to illustrate theory and the scope of this work
• Practical skills of centering and monitoring the involuntary mechanism
  
  
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Module 2 and 3: Osteopathy in the Cranial Field

These modules provide a basic training in Osteopathy in the Cranial Field. The course structure of Module 2 and 3 is similar but the challenges are different. At Module 2 level, students develop the ability to centre, monitor and diagnose the involuntary mechanism and begin to learn specific technique approaches which can be used in body so that they can treat a wider range of patients. Module 3 is usually done 1-2 years later and assumes greater experience, where students refine their diagnostic and treatment skills and awareness of the inherent healing of the body.

Course content:

• The relevance of embryology in osteopathic practice
• The cranial vault and base: anatomy and clinical considerations
• The concept of the reciprocal tension membrane in palpation, diagnosis and treatment
• The anatomy of the central nervous system (CNS) and palpating the CNS via external contacts
• The ventricular system, the circulation and the concept of the fluctuation of the cerebrospinal fluid.
• The importance of the sacrum and pelvis in Sutherland’s hypothesis of the involuntary mechanism.
• Fascia and diaphragm
• The anatomy of the face and an introduction to diagnosis and treatment of problems relating to the face.
• Principles of diagnosis and treatment using the involuntary mechanism
  
  
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Module 4: WG Sutherland's Osteopathic Approach to the Body as a Whole

Dr William Garner Sutherland was best known as a pioneer of Osteopathy in the Cranial Field, but less well-known for his precise and effective approach to the whole body, which he learned under the hands of Dr A. T. Still. On this course we explore Dr Sutherland’s ingenious methods for engaging the innate self-corrective forces in all the joints of the body, using the principle of balanced ligamentous tension. We will also apply the principles of osteopathic medicine to support body physiology in its search to restore health. Many of the SCC's faculty were privileged to learn these techniques from Dr Anne Wales, a student of Sutherland.

Course Content:

• Sutherland’s approach to joints of the body, fascial lifts, lymphatic drainage and viscera. Broader topics including post-natal depression, bronchitis, and poor immune function and toxicity.
• By the end of the course, the student should be able to engage any joint of the body to a balanced point from which the innate forces can bring about realignment and integration. The student should also be able to address many problems affecting body physiology with the application of osteopathic principles.
  
  
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Module 5: In Reciprocal Tension

This course is an examination of the concept of dynamic tension throughout the body, incorporating recent scientific developments. We will use our understanding of reciprocal tension in order to develop our skills of diagnosis and treatment.

Course Content:

• Anatomy of the reciprocal tension membrane (RTM), meninges (including the anterior transverse septum)
• Embryological development of the RTM
• Principle of the fulcrum, in particular the automatic shifting suspension fulcrum (Sutherland Fulcrum)
• Reciprocal tension function of body fascias, organ and communication systems
• Principle of tensegrity in gross and cellular anatomy
• Treatment principle of balanced membranous tension and engaging with the intelligent connective tissue matrix
• Treatment approaches using the principles of reciprocal tension
• Observing and treating the individual with respect to their 'biosphere'
  
  
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Module 6: The Dynamic Basicranium

The cranial base offers an important key to understanding our patients, young and old. Effective diagnosis and treatment of intraosseous and sutural lesions is only possible with a thorough understanding of living anatomy. This course provides an opportunity to explore detailed cranial anatomy and its functional implications for the whole body. The intensive practical component of the course enables students to develop their palpatory skills in a supportive environment.

Course Content:

• Growth and development of the basicranium and vault
• The physiology of living bone and connective tissue
• The infant skull
• Study of complex sutures
• Consequences of the birth process
• Intraosseous strains in the cranium and other bones
• Implications of trauma at different ages
• Patterns
• The sacrum and its relationship to the basicranium
  
  
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Module 7: The Spark in the Motor

This course explores in depth two of the five phenomena of the involuntary mechanism: the fluctuant cerebrospinal fluid and the motile brain and spinal cord. Recent research findings will be incorporated with the original osteopathic approach of Dr Sutherland. There will be time and space to experience in stillness the concept of potency, the "fluid within the fluid" whose “spark” animates our embryogenesis and our physiology.

Course content:

• Fluid techniques for the cerebrospinal fluid including CV4 and lateral fluctuation
• Palpation of different levels of fluid organisation in the body
• Potency
• Fluid treatment of intraosseous strains
• Anatomy, physiology and development of the nervous system
• Principles of osteopathic diagnosis and treatment of the nervous system
• Osteopathic approach to neurological damage and deficit
• Treatment approaches to the nervous system
  
  
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Module 8: The Functional Face

Explores the viscerocranium, its relationship to the neurocranium and whole body physiology. This module reinforces and builds on the anatomy and approaches learnt on modules 2 and 3.

Course Content:

• Anatomy and embryonic development of the intricate bony structure of the face
• Introduction to development of paediatric occlusion and its influence on whole body strain patterns
• Orbit and eye
• Nasal sinuses, structure and function
• Mandible, temporomandibular joint and ear
• Clinical significance of the face in treatment
• Treatment techniques including intra-oral techniques
  
  
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Module 9: Introduction to Paediatric Osteopathy

This course is intended to develop confidence that is founded on the fundamental knowledge and practical skills necessary for safe and effective osteopathic treatment of infants and children.

Course content:

• Child development from early embryonic life including particular anatomical, physiological and psychological features of childhood
• The effects and physiological implications of normal and abnormal labour
• Osteopathic/clinical examination and milestone development
• Considerations of prematurity
• Assessment and osteopathic management of common complaints in children and some neurological conditions

• Indications for co-operation with other health professionals and recognition of danger signs
  

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