Craniosacral massage therapy non-invasively applies gentle pressure to examine membranes and the movement of fluids in and around the central nervous system. It relieves compression in the bones in the head, sacrum or triangular bone in the lower back, the spinal column, and cerebrospinal fluid, boosting overall health and well-being by relieving stress and pain in these regions with light compression.
Craniosacral therapy can help treat and address a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, fibromyalgia, migraines, headaches, complex regional pain syndrome, fascial adhesions, scoliosis, neuralgia, neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, post-concussion syndrome, speech impairment, irritable bowel syndrome, insomnia, sinus infections, TMJ, trauma recovery, mood disorders, and epilepsy.
What Is Craniosacral Massage Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is an important therapeutic approach to improving whole-body health through the craniosacral system, which consists of membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that envelopes and protects the brain, spinal cord, and bones. The system plays an integral role in the healthy, holistic functioning of the human body to address imbalances, boost immunity, and eliminate pain.
An experienced therapist applies gentle pressure to improve the efficiency of biological processes by boosting the body’s capacity for self-healing, self-correction, and self-regulation through the movement of fluids in and around the central nervous system.
Releasing the body’s connective tissue, or fascia, creates balance between the body’s interconnected organs, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, brain, and spinal cord.
Is Craniosacral Therapy Right for You?
Craniosacral Therapy is derived from osteopathic manipulative treatment with minimal adverse side effects, as physical manipulation or forceful adjustments of the body are not used as part of the treatment. It can help to provide relief for a variety of conditions by improving the functioning of the central nervous system.
However, there are a few conditions when the treatment may not be appropriate. If you have experienced a recent concussion, cerebral swelling, structural defects in the cerebellum, brain aneurysm, traumatic brain injury, blood clots, or any disorder that causes instability of cerebral fluid pressure, flow, or build-up, discuss this with our team before making an appointment.
The complementary adjunct to physiotherapy may be used as an alternative to medications to treat chronic musculoskeletal pain.
Craniosacral Massage Therapy FAQs
What conditions can craniosacral therapy treat?
Craniosacral therapy is very helpful for many different health conditions. It can help with any type of nervous system disorder, including anxiety and depression, to chronic pain issues like insomnia or stress-related disorders. Additionally, this technique has proven useful in treating conditions from problems with sleep to emotional distress, headaches/migraines, impaired motor coordination, and autoimmune disease.
What does craniosacral therapy feel like?
First, you will lie on a comfortable massage table as you would during a massage. The therapist’s hands apply light pressure to the skin’s surface and move in slow, rhythmic motions. These movements aid in releasing fascia restrictions surrounding muscles and joints. It’s difficult to describe how this type of therapy feels if you’ve never had it before because everyone’s experience will be different. Some people report feeling deeply relaxed, while others report feeling energized or even uncomfortable at first if their bodies have been under stress or tension for long periods.
How will I feel right after craniosacral therapy?
Toxins in your body are released from deep within with craniosacral therapy’s light yet powerful pressure. If you have previously experienced migraines or headaches after receiving this treatment, it is possible that some stress was manifesting itself as pain and discomfort. As a result of the therapy to calm the nervous system, people may experience frequent urination and bowel movements; the side effects are temporary. If any of these symptoms occur soon after treatment, drink plenty of water to help flush toxins out, and as the therapy works, restore your body’s natural flow of energy.
Are there any side effects from craniosacral therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is a non-invasive procedure with no known major side effects beyond light discomfort. People who are hypersensitive to other forms of bodywork, such as massage, may benefit from this treatment because it uses light pressure. People with serious blood-related disorders and issues, aneurysms, and head injuries should consult our practitioners before a craniosacral therapy session.
How often and how many sessions are required?
Craniosacral therapy not only makes you feel better, but it also heals and helps the body recover from chronic pain over time. Each treatment plan is individual to the client as each person has a unique history, which leads them on a different path toward recovery. Some people feel relief after only one session, while others must attend more frequent sessions for an effective outcome.
Physiotherapy and Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a valuable adjunct to physiotherapy, enhancing traditional treatment outcomes through a holistic approach.
The integration of craniosacral massage therapy with physiotherapy not only aids in managing pain through gentle interventions but also helps balance the autonomic nervous system, making it beneficial for conditions related to stress and neurological imbalances.
It further supports mobility improvements by addressing fascia and nervous system restrictions, potentially accelerating healing from injuries or surgeries. Moreover, the whole-body approach complements physiotherapy’s targeted treatments, addressing broader health issues and ensuring a comprehensive treatment plan.
What Should You Expect When You Arrive for Craniosacral Therapy?
Expect to remain fully clothed during the session, so wear comfortable clothes to the appointment. Sessions typically last for an hour. The initial consultation will include a discussion with our therapist about the symptoms you’re experiencing and any pre-existing conditions.
After assessing your condition, the therapist will explain the treatment before asking you to lie on your back on a massage table. Based on the targeted areas, the craniosacral therapist will begin either at your head, feet, or middle of your body. They gently apply five grams of light pressure to your feet, head, or sacrum to feel the subtle rhythms detected, relieving the tension and targeting areas of physiological system dysfunction.
As necessary, gentle pressing or repositioning of your body will be done to normalize the flow of the cerebrospinal fluids. The practitioner may also use tissue-release methods while supporting your limbs. During treatment, people may experience different sensations, from deep relaxation to falling asleep or sensations of pulsations or numbing.
Book a Craniosacral Treatment at One of Our Clinics
HelloPhysio paves the way with traditional techniques, the latest technologies and alternative therapies to reduce pain, re-establish movement patterns, and activate muscles so that you can return to your daily life.
Physiotherapy treatment plans with complementary therapies are different for each client and are customized to fit an individual’s needs, injuries, and lifestyle. Physiotherapy treatments from HelloPhysio may be eligible for claims through your health insurance provider.
Contact us today to arrange a session with a trained craniosacral therapist to discuss a targeted treatment plan.