Craniosacral Therapy – Benefits & Treatment NYC

Craniosacral Therapy – What It Is, How It Works, & More

Reviewed by Dr. Lima Iype, Physical Therapist at FemFirstHealth

• Introduction

• Craniosacral Therapy (CST)

• CST and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

• Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy

• Contraindications for CST

• Craniosacral Therapy FAQ

• Book an Appointment

Introduction

Craniosacral therapy (CST) was developed in the 1970s by John Upledger, a doctor of osteopathy. Over the years, CST has been used by osteopaths, massage therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, chiropractors, midwives, etc. to help patients improve the efficiency of their biological processes.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST)

Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive, and hands-on approach to relieving restrictions and pain in and around the central nervous system. It employs gentle pressure, and a CST appointment may resemble a massage appointment, though the patient is fully clothed.

CST believes in the body’s ability to self-heal, and can be effective for both children and adults. By using a hands-on light touch on bodily membranes, CST can aid the body’s healing and regulation by releasing muscular tension, and pain, and setting the nervous system to equilibrium. 

Everything in your body is connected through fascia, or connective tissue. The fascia acts like spider web-like connections throughout the body that allow for stability, mobility, and attachment points for muscles. Over time, fascia changes and can get restricted by misuse, disuse, overuse, disease, stress, trauma, or even genetics.

To counteract the effects of these fascia changes, CST believes that a gentle hands-on approach to this restricted tissue can lead to softening, lengthening, less pain, and improved overall function. 

CST and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Since you have this connective fascia throughout your entire body, the pelvic floor is no exception. CST can help decrease restrictions in tissues and structures in and around the pelvic diaphragm, just like other areas in your body.

Applying CST can be a great start to getting internal work done. It can also be a great way to end a pelvic floor session by further decreasing tightness and down regulating the nervous system. 

Additionally, CST can work on improving restrictions on your respiratory diaphragm. Remember, your diaphragm and pelvic floor work synergistically, so by optimizing your breathing pattern, you are helping your pelvic floor muscles as well! 

Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy

Beneficial for almost everyone, CST can relieve pressure, soothe pain, and reduce stress and tension. It can also help restore mobility—especially cranial mobility—and improve the nervous system’s function.

Craniosacral therapy is also beneficial for individuals with conditions such as sinus infections, TMJ, fibromyalgia, migraines/headaches, scoliosis, neck/back pain, insomnia, IBS or other digestive problems, chronic fatigue, and much more. 

CST can benefit patients of all ages and has been useful at treating both physical and psychological conditions. 

Contraindications for CST

While the benefits of Craniosacral therapy are vast and numerous, it is not for everyone. Patients with the following should NOT receive CST:

• Increased intracranial pressure

• Acute stroke

• Aneurysm

• Hemorrhage

• CSF leak

• Spina bifida

• Arnold Chiari Malformation

• Skull fracture

As always, talk to your physician or general practitioner if you are interested in CST or if you are not sure if Craniosacral therapy is right for you.

Craniosacral Therapy FAQ 

How does the therapist perform Craniosacral therapy?

Following precise hand placement, the therapist will provide very gentle touch—no more pressure than 5 grams or the weight of a nickel—and will continue applying that pressure until he or she feels tissue release signs. These signs usually include softening, lengthening, heat, increased energy flow, or when the patient exhales or takes a deep breath.

What conditions can CST treat?

Craniosacral therapy can be beneficial for anyone with pelvic floor dysfunction. Individuals with the following conditions may benefit from CST:

• Bladder problems

• Bowel problems

• Endometriosis

• Pregnancy

• Postpartum

• Lumbar pain

• Hip pain

• Sacrum pain

• Post abdominal, pelvic, hip, or back surgery

Does Craniosacral therapy really work?

While clinical studies for CST are ongoing and increasing, anecdotal evidence suggests some of the following:

In a study dated in 2010, 92 patients with fibromyalgia received either CST or a placebo therapy for 20 weeks. At the conclusion of the 20 weeks, those who received the CST experienced improvements in their pain levels. Similar studies performed on fibromyalgia patients suggest that CST can also have a positive effect on anxiety levels and overall quality of life. 

These examples merely scratch the surface of the continued research that is happening for CST. And while more research is needed, we have seen firsthand how it has benefited our patients. 

What can I expect from Craniosacral therapy?

For those who are new to Craniosacral therapy, it can be compared to massage therapy, with several key differences. Unlike most massage therapy, CST is done while the patient is fully clothed. Additionally, while massage usually involves more intense deep tissue pressure, CST is markedly more gentle.

CST sets itself apart from other massage techniques because of its gentle, light-touch approach that is used to relieve stress, tension, and any restrictions in or around your central nervous system. 

During a CST session, you will begin with a consultation with your therapist where you will go over your condition(s) and health history. Your therapist may also help you identify areas that need attention. Then your therapist will likely begin the session with the patient lying down, for maximum relaxation. 

Your CST session should be very relaxing and calm.