Do you experience chronic pain that won't go away no matter what you do? Have you tried everything under the sun and nothing seems to help? Craniosacral therapy could be the method that works for you!
Since its founding in the 1970s by Osteopath John Upledger, many advocates of craniosacral therapy (CST) have said it can treat pain such as jaw pain, ear infections, and migraines, as well as relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, spinal cord injuries, and more. CST is a multifaceted bodywork technique that can treat a vast array of pain.
What Is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, noninvasive form of bodywork/massage that focuses on the bones of the head, spinal column, and sacrum. CST is performed by physical therapists & massage therapists and is a subtle therapy that involves the light holding of the skull and sacrum to circulate the cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord. The goal is to release compression in those areas which can alleviate stress and pain and ultimately restore the nervous system.
How Does Craniosacral Therapy Work?
Craniosacral therapy regulates the environment around the spinal cord and brain, enhancing the body’s natural ability to heal itself; this is useful in treating both acute and chronic pain alike. Whether you are recovering from a surgical procedure, sports injury, arthritis, neurological disorder, or stroke, CST may be a benefit to you. During the session, your practitioner will evaluate you and your symptoms, coming up with the best possible treatment plan for your condition. Using a soft touch, your practitioner will release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. Craniosacral therapy is increasingly used as a preventative health measure for its ability to strengthen resistance to disease and its effectiveness for a wide range of issues.
Conditions That Craniosacral Therapy Can Address
If you have any of these conditions, you are an ideal candidate for craniosacral therapy, as it can be very beneficial in your recovery.
Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury
Migraines and Headaches
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Stress and Tension-Related Disorders
Motor-Coordination Impairments
Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
Chronic Fatigue
Fibromyalgia
TMJ Syndrome
Scoliosis
Central Nervous System Disorders
Orthopedic Problems
What Are the Main Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy has been used to treat a variety of conditions, both physical and psychological. Although this technique can be used to treat conditions across the board, the overall benefits include pain relief and improved mental health.
Pain Relief
The nervous system transmits signals across our body, including pain signals. CST works with the nervous system, enhancing the body's healing abilities. A study done on craniosacral therapy found that it was effective in significantly reducing chronic neck pain among its participants.
Improved Mental Health
Many practitioners believe that emotional pain is held in the body as tension, and releasing that bodily tension through CST can be an emotional release, leading to a better quality of life. A study found that CST aided in the improvement of depression, anxiety, and quality of life for people living with fibromyalgia.
Interested in Craniosacral Therapy?
Resolve Wellness offers craniosacral therapy! Our craniosacral specialists can detect and prevent such restrictions through a craniosacral evaluation. If you're interested in this treatment and its benefits, click the button below to book a massage!
Subscribe to our mailing list for more blogs sent straight to your inbox!
Katherine (Kathy) Wolff, CMT, is a massage therapist who specializes in a wide variety of techniques, some of which include Deep Tissue Massage, Prenatal Massage, Cupping, and Craniosacral Therapy. Her passion resides in the healing process, an important aspect being the mind/body connection which led her to become a Reiki Master Teacher.