Craniosacral Therapy is a widely used soft tissue technique that was developed by John Upledger, DO between 1975 and 1983. Dr. Upledger was a researcher and Professor of BioMechanics at Michigan State University when he began to develop this highly-specialized technique. Craniosacral Therapy sets out to address minute tissue restrictions within the craniosacral system. The craniosacral system is made up of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. The methods used in this practice are extremely gentle and utilize a soft pressure from the practitioner equal to about 5 grams (the weight of a nickel) to release restrictions within the system and provide a physiological improvement in function of the central nervous system.
“Craniosacral therapy’s … therapeutic benefits are vast.”
Craniosacral Therapy is considered by many within the medical community to be an “alternative therapy,” but its therapeutic benefits are vast. Patients have often reported following a CST session with Carrie that they feel more relaxed, more focused, they have less tension in their head and spine, and their quality of sleep improves. Carrie uses Craniosacral Therapy as a tool to both assess her patient’s deeper tissue restrictions and also as an adjunct technique to address components within conditions such as: migraine headaches, whiplash, neck and upper back pain, TMJ-type disorders, Fibromyalgia, Multiple Sclerosis, Cerebral Palsy, Torticollis, Pervasive Personality Disorder, and Sensory Processing Disorder. Not every patient is appropriate for this type of treatment and careful screening occurs prior to any treatment of this kind. As with any manual therapy technique, individual responses to the treatment may vary, but Carrie has employed the use of this within her practice for many years and her patients often request it. If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of Craniosacral Therapy, please contact Healing Foundations Physical Therapy for additional information.
