Many people live with their pain, but they don’t have to.

CranioSacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on therapeutic approach that addresses the causes of pain and dysfunction. It is effective for a wide range of medical problems. Conditions that respond well to CranioSacral therapy include, but are not limited to the following:

• migraines/headaches
• vertigo/tinnitus
• scoliosis
• fibromyalgia
• autism/Asperger’s Syndrome
• neurological disorders:
  ~ recent strokes, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s Disease
• orthopedic disorders:
  ~ arthritis, frozen shoulders, meniscus tears, herniated discs, sciatica, tennis elbow, bursitis, spinal stenosis
• chronic pain conditions:
  ~ TMJ, carpal tunnel syndrome, endometriosis, pelvic floor pain, and chronic neck or back pain
• motor-coordination impairments
• infantile disorders
• torticollis
• learning disabilities
• post-surgical pains/scar management
• pains brought on by pregnancy, e.g., sciatica
  

Currently, more than 50,000 healthcare professionals in 56 countries practice CST. Practitioners include osteopathic physicians and chiropractors, as well as physical, occupational, and massage therapists. CST is a manual therapy reimbursable by insurance when performed by a participating healthcare provider.

CST was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician, John E. Upledger, following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.

CST addresses pain, dysfunction and poor postural alignment resulting from restrictions in the connective tissue (fascial system), which surround and support all of the structures in our body. Restrictions can be caused by trauma, both physical and emotional, or by habitual holding patterns in the body due to stress and disease. CST helps in locating and gently releasing these connective tissue restrictions.

The therapist taps into the fascial system by gently placing their hands upon a person’s body and then focuses on the connective tissue plane. Once connected into the system, tissue movement naturally begins to occur. The therapist will then continue to follow and promote a natural release of the connective tissue. Therapists learn how to assess tissue movement similar to learning how to take a pulse, although the practice of CST is much more extensive. A light touch is required because the body is mostly made up of fluid. As a result there is a hydraulic-like effect, similar to a person stepping on the brake of a car. A light tap on the brake results in decelerating a 2,000+ pound car. This light touch therapy results in the powerful movement that occurs within the fascial system.

A typical adult CST session lasts about an hour with the patient lying comfortably on a massage table fully clothed. The work is very soothing and relaxing, and the effects of a session can often be felt right away, although sometimes they are not fully apparent until hours, or even days later.

CST is highly effective at treating the chronic pain population.

Vivienne, 57, of Bow, N.H. experienced the results of craniosacral therapy firsthand. Vivienne has a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, resulting from a motor vehicle accident in 1998. She had already been through several periods of physical therapy with little results before receiving craniosacral therapy. Prior to receiving therapy, Vivienne reports ‘I was uncomfortable most of the time and having a lot of tension/tightness around the shoulder blades, upper back, and chronic discomfort.” After several CST sessions, Vivienne states, “My pain level has consistently decreased, very gradually but consistently.” When asked to describe the treatment she receives, Vivienne responds, “It’s gentle, it’s therapeutic… it’s restorative”.