Understanding Cranial Bone Movement
Understanding Cranial Bone Movement
For chiropractors and healthcare professionals seeking clarity in the understanding of cranial bone motion and dynamics.
Unlock the mechanics behind chiropractic cranial adjusting with this online course, “How Cranial Bones Move”. You’ll learn the 4 specific motion patterns of the cranium and how they impact each cranial bone, tools to assess the proper movement of the cranium, and what these subtle shifts can have on the growth and development of the cranium.
We’ll explore how respiratory motion, dural tension, cerebrospinal mechanics and structural relationships (sutures and fontanelles) guide cranial motion, especially in infants where early patterns set the stage for development. This course is ideal for those new to cranial work or preparing for advanced certification, giving you the hands-on insight needed to refine your palpation and deliver precise, effective care.
Dr. Ken Cooper will guide you through the interplay of respiratory motion, dural tension, cerebrospinal fluid dynamics, and the role of sutures and fontanelles — especially crucial in pediatric patients, where early distortions can alter the course of development.
Whether you’re new to cranial work or preparing for advanced certification, this course builds the palpation skills and clinical insight needed to deliver precise, effective care.
Course Contents
7 Modules | 7 CTAs
Class 1 – Cranial Anatomy
Class 2 – Cranial Motion Fundamentals
Class 3 – The Occiput and Sphenoid
Class 4 – The Temporals
Class 5 – The Frontal and Parietals
Class 6 – The Palate
Class 7 – Clinical Integration
Meet the Instructors
Dr. Ken Cooper brings over two decades of clinical experience, leadership, and dedication to advancing Pediatric and Perinatal Chiropractic care. A devoted husband, proud father of five, and grandfather of four, Dr. Cooper’s personal and professional life reflects his passion for family-centered wellness.
His journey in healthcare began with honorable service as a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman and nationally registered EMT in the early 1990s, laying a strong foundation for his commitment to care. He became a licensed Chiropractor in 2001, and by 2003 had completed a Pediatric Chiropractic Fellowship with the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA)—an early indicator of his calling to serve the youngest members of our communities.
Dr. Cooper is Webster Certified and was directly taught the Webster Technique by its founder, the legendary Dr. Larry Webster. He went on to achieve his CACCP certification through the ICPA in 2019 and completed his Perinatal Certification in 2023.
A pioneer in his field, Dr. Cooper was one of the first three chiropractors to earn the Certified SOT Spinal Pediatric Practitioner (CSSPP) designation from Drs. Martin Rosen and Nancy Watson of the Peak Potential Institute in 2022, followed by becoming one of the first two recipients of the Certified Specialist in Pediatric Cranial Adjusting (CSCPP) in 2024.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Cooper is a 7th-degree black belt, accomplished author, active researcher, and sought-after speaker. His role as an international instructor in Pediatric Chiropractic allows him to educate and inspire doctors around the world with his practical knowledge, clinical insights, and heartfelt commitment to excellence in Pediatric Chiropractic care.
Whether in the classroom or the clinic, Dr. Ken Cooper continues to elevate the standards of care and education in Chiropractic, with a heart for children and a legacy of service.
Feedback From Our Students
-
Dr. Margie Mannering
I have a better understanding of the system as a whole. It is important to develop observation skills, to be aware of what is wrong, but it is equally if not more important to understand why it is wrong. Dentistry can make observations about airway and anatomy but treating these alone is not predictable therapy.
Although I just retired from clinical dentistry, I hope to continue working with airway, myofunctional therapist and other therapies that work with craniosacral therapy.
Yes, I would recommend it to dentists and orthodontists that work with airway and expansion. I would also recommend it to myofunctional therapists. Dentists and therapists often focus just on their own area of expertise. That is a very limited scope and doesn’t allow for a complete diagnosis
Very complete course.
-
Spencer Grubb, DC
Three Takeaways:
1. Specific cranial motions and how each bone interacts with each other. 2. The beginning of what indications to look for that correspond to various cranial distortions. 3. Sphenoid is extremely important.This course has given me the tools necessary to critically think about cranial movements when assessing/treating infants. Furthermore, it has given me the confidence to start seeing harder infant cases.
Having only fairly recently started seeing infants, I have yet to see results, but I am still beginning to be able to observe cranial distortions and infer the proper method for treatment. Additionally, I can confidently explain to parents what my observations are and what I intend to do to correct it.
Yes, Dr. Ken Cooper does a great job at explaining cranial motion beyond what is just on the slides. At first, I was fairly disappointed with the cost associated with the length of each video, but he specifically adds overall value.
-
Johanna Ekblom Kanckos
I have learned more specifically how each of the cranial bones move and how they affect the CSF flow .
And I have more deepened understanding of how the cranial bones move. I was more certain in how they move and could better understand the adjustments on the child and could better explain to the parents.
Yes, I would recommend this course to get a more deepened knowledge.
More Courses from Peak Potential Institute
Understand CSF physiology and into the critical role of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the central nervous system. Learn chiropractic cranial adjusting techniques to improve CSF flow and neurological regulation.
This online course provides an in-depth exploration of the sphenobasilar mechanism (the key to the cranium), focusing on its anatomy, physiology, common distortion patterns, and effective correction techniques. Participants will gain practical skills to evaluate and adjust the sphenobasilar junction, enhancing patient outcomes and expanding their chiropractic expertise.
This focused online course teaches you how to identify and correct dural meningeal restrictions at the upper cervical spine using precise, gentle chiropractic and cranial techniques. By addressing the fascial and meningeal attachments between the occiput, atlas, axis, and cranium, you’ll learn to restore balance, reduce neurological stress, and support long-term spinal stability.
