Beyond Basic Cranial

Introduction to Craniomandibular Orthopedics

Craniomandibular Orthopedics is a combination of various cranial techniques used to remove areas of challenge from the system and restore harmony to the body and head.

Welcome to the world of Craniomandibular Orthopedics. This is a biomechanical approach to treating the body and Craniosacral system. For many students they have been introduced to the Craniosacral system in college or through post graduation seminars such as Upledger Institute or similar courses. This is a course that is more in line with classic osteopathic treatment of the Craniosacral system. As such the pressures will be greater than 5g. We are able to safely use more pressures when we have clear understanding of the structures involved combined with specific induction tests.

Many practitioners have already discovered that merely correcting sacral and cranial lesions that a multitude of disorders can be treated.

We are going to look at the trouble spots in the cranium. These are typically areas that are pivot points and can disrupt the periphery of the cranium the most. The periphery can then influence the deeper structures such as the dural membranes, sphenobasilar synchondrosis, brain tissues and beyond.


Date & Times

  • Date

    June 7-8, 2025
    Saturday and Sunday

  • Class size

    Maximum 8 students

  • Location

    Vancouver, BC
    Location will be provided

  • Live class times

    9:00am - 1:00pm
    Lunch 1:00 - 2:00pm
    2:00 - 5:00pm


Want to become more SKILLED at decreasing persistent pain? Needing to REDUCE the amount of wear and tear on your body? Are you looking for a way to help with HEADACHES
and concussions?  

If you answered "Yes" to any of the questions above, then this in-person course is for you.

What will you learn?

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Accomplish better results treating persistent pain that is gentle for the patient/client.


  1. Introduction to concepts of craniomandibular orthopedics
  2. Introduction of mobility and motility testing from a cranial standpoint
  3. Recognize areas of potential dysfunction in the periphery of the cranium
  4. Exploration of methods to influence the craniosacral system


      

Helpful for people in persistent pain

BENEFITS FOR PATIENTS

When your regular Massage Therapy treatments are not providing results.  

Headaches in the temples, back of the head and suboccipital regions are often helped with the increased mobility of the cranial periphery.

Research

Feasibility and Efficacy of Craniosacral Therapy on Sleep Quality in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: a Pre-Post Pilot Trial

Conclusions from a 12-week treatment regime showed high retention, good acceptability and minimal adverse events for improving sleep quality among fibromyalgia syndrome participants. 

Ughreja, R. A. ., Venkatesan, P., Gopalakrishna, D. B., & Singh, Y. P. (2023). Feasibility and Efficacy of Craniosacral Therapy on Sleep Quality in Fibromyalgia Syndrome: a Pre-Post Pilot Trial. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork: Research, Education, &Amp; Practice, 16(2), 4–11. https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtmb.v16i2.819

Craniosacral Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Neck Pain

This course material has been shown to increase the participants' quality of life for up to 3 months after the intervention.  It was shown to be safe and effective in reducing neck pain intensity and it may also improve functional disability. 

Haller H, Lauche R, Cramer H, Rampp T, Saha FJ, Ostermann T, Dobos G. Craniosacral Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Sham-controlled Trial. Clin J Pain. 2016 May;32(5):441-9. doi: 10.1097/AJP.0000000000000290. PMID: 26340656; PMCID: PMC4894825.

Is this course right for me?

FOR WHOM

These treatments work particularly well on sensitive clients/patients. You will be able to utilize these  treatment methods immediately into your practice. For both assessment and treatment.

Do you have people that come to your clinic and your usual methods are not getting the desired result?

Are you experiencing burnout and sore upper extremity and neck pain from treating all day? This will help take the load off your own body and still offer your clients/patients relief from their pain.

Prerequisites

  • You are a registered health care worker such as a Registered Massage Therapist, Physiotherapist, Chiropractor etc.

  • You have taken a cranial sacral course previously and are able to palpate the craniosacral rhythm (or cranial rhythmical impulse)

Online Course Contents

Manual will be provided In-Person

Start using Cranial-Sacral Treatments Today!

Choose to become more effective

Instructor

ROBERT HACKWOOD, RMT

Lead Instructor

Robert Hackwood

A Registered Massage Therapist since 1992, Robert Hackwood - Dynamic Therapist - brings the success of his hands-on treatment and courses to the online arena in a state-of-the-art online program that all therapists can benefit from, regardless of their location. Robert explains:" Therapists can improve outcomes with less wear and tear. These courses help you to work smarter and easier so you can stand apart." Therapists can complete the training in the privacy of their own homes at a pace that works for them, saving time and money.

Robert has been involved with teaching Massage Therapy skills for over 25 years, including Muscle Energy Technique, Craniosacral in several forms, Neuromuscular Therapy, Assessment, Osteopathic Techniques, and more. He has been a teaching assistant for several instructors offering continuing education, taught in 3 different Massage Therapy Colleges, written articles and been involved in the running of the Massage Therapy profession in British Columbia.

What to expect

What amazing information will I see?

  • Tests to assess and confirm mobility

  • Experience what it means to "pump up a head"

  • Detailed anatomy of the cranium

  • Introduction to Osteopathic styled cranial

  • Treatment methods for influencing dysfunctions

FAQ

  • What are the prerequisites?

    • Registered health practitioner
    • Being able to feel the cranial sacral rhythm
  • How many students will there be?

    This is a limited sized class. ONLY 8 students will be registered for this course. This allows for an excellent teacher : student ratios. Learning to palpate the cranial rhythm is very experiential so having a small class is paramount.

  • Is there a manual that comes with the course?

    Yes, the detailed manual will be provided to you at the workshop.

  • What is the cancellation policy for this course?

    Cancelling 2 weeks prior or more to the course a refund of 50% will be made.

    There are no refunds for cancelling within 2 weeks of the start of the course.

    If you cancel and we are able to replace you in the course you will be refunded the full amount minus $100.00 administration fee.