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Therapies

CranioSacral Therapy

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CST is a light-touch manual therapy that applies delicate techniques throughout the entire body to facilitate change and healing.

CST releases tension in the CranioSacral System - the membranes, bones and cerobrospinal fluid that nourish and protect the brain and spinal cord. When the CranioSacral System is functioning optimally there is a direct positive influence on the health of the Central Nervous System. In turn, optimal function of the Nervous System has a positive influence on all body systems. CST has a profound positive effect on the inter-connected web of fascial tissue throughout the body.

CranioSacral Therapy starts with the body's wisdom. Deep listening to the movement of the cerebrospinal fluid and body tissues is used to determine areas of weakness and dysfunction and to assist in relaxation, release of tension and relief from pain.

How can CST help me?

CST can address a wide range of chronic and acute dysfunctions, including:

  • Stress and Tension-Related Disorders
  • Neck and Back Pain
  • TMJ Syndrome
  • Headaches and Migraines
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Sleep Challenges
  • Chronic Sinusitis and Ear Infections
  • Motor Coordination Impairments
  • Chronic Fatigue
  • Fibromyalgia and other Chronic Pain Syndromes
  • Scoliosis
  • Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Learning Disabilities
  • Pre & Post Surgery
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
  • ADD/ADHD
  • Orthopedic Problems
  • and Many Other Conditions

What happens in a CST session?

The client remains fully dressed and lays face-up on the massage table. The CST practitioner uses light manual touch (usually not greater than the weight of a nickel). The delicate techniques of CST are applied to the whole body to release tissue tension and promote healing relaxation. Each session is unique, and techniques may be used anywhere on the body from head to toe, depending on the needs and considerations of the client. 

CranioSacral Therapy for Infants

Because it is gentle and noninvasive, CST is a wonderful and accessible therapy for infants.  It can be used with infants as soon as they are born.  I work gently and slowly with babies, with their caregivers close at hand.  I most often see babies for the following challenges:

  • Breastfeeding Challenges
  • Pre and Post Support for Tongue Tie Revisions
  • Healing from Birth Trauma
  • Colic
  • Digestive Challenges
  • Torticollis
  • Plagiocephaly
  • Impaired Immune System
  • Abnormal Muscle Tone

Links to Organizations, Articles and Resources about CST:

Craniosacral therapy: what is it really?

Sisco, Mariann, PT, CST

The International Alliance of Healthcare Educators

Craniosacral Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Neck Pain.

Haller, Heidemarie, Romy Lauche, Holger Cramer, Thomas Rampp, Felix J. Saha, Thomas Ostermann, and Gustav Dobos.

The Clinical Journal of Pain, 2016

The Use of Craniosacral Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Kratz, Susan Vaughn, Jane Kerr, and Lorraine Porter

Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies, 2017

CranioSacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation: A New Treatment Intervention for Concussion Recovery.

Wetzler, Gail, Melinda Roland, Sally Fryer-Dietz, and Dee Dettmann-Ahern.

Medical Acupuncture, 2017

Influence of Craniosacral Therapy on Anxiety, Depression, and Quality of Life in Patients with Fibromyalgia.

Matarán-Peñarrocha, Guillermo A., Adelaida María Castro-Sánchez, Gloria Carballo García, Carmen Moreno-Lorenzo, Tesifón Parrón Carreño, and María Dolores Onieva Zafra.

Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2011

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