Craniosacral therapy

Use this page to find out more about craniosacral therapy and physiotherapy:

 

Introduction

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a manual therapy where the special therapeutic touch encourages structural and physiological rebalancing using the body's own healing energy. CST recognises the importance of the body functioning as a whole. All systems and structures are integrated and interrelating. Dysfunction in any system produces compensatory responses through the whole body.

Attitudes, behaviour, habits and emotional responses contribute to how the body is held in physical shape and posture, which affects how it moves. Any condition manifesting as pain, stiffness or dysfunction also contains emotional, behavioural and other components that can be addressed and released during craniosacral therapy.

Receiving CST

Craniosacral therapy is very enjoyable and relaxing to receive. The patient is usually fully clothed and lying down (although can be in any suitable position). The patient will feel only the gentle touch of the therapist's hands, which may not create any perceivable input.

The craniosacral physiotherapist will use his/her hands to "listen" intently to the body and can sense restriction or congestion within the whole body. The "listening" touch is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Using specialised skills the tissues are encouraged to return to normal healthy function. Pain and symptoms gradually ease. As the therapist continues to feel deeply and there is constant re-assessment.

Treatment allows the body to achieve a higher state of balance and health. It is not just a physical "fixing" but an exploration which encompasses mental processes, feelings and their physical manifestations. The release of restrictions impeding the body's natural self-healing will give a deep sense of physical and mental relaxation.

Choosing CST as a therapeutic approach

Having taken a full and detailed case history and the usual appropriate physical examination, the physiotherapist may realise that the presenting symptoms represent a total body response to some form of overload and that craniosacral therapy is a very suitable therapeutic option.

CST: Who can it help?

CST is treatment for the 'inner cause' as well as the outer manifestation of the condition. It is actually not about treating conditions, but rather helping the person in whom symptoms have arisen, regain connection with their inner health. This form of therapy is very useful in longstanding and difficult conditions and where there has been poor response to conventional techniques.

CST is suitable for acute or chronic conditions and can be used effectively on people of all ages, babies and children. The number of treatments required will depend on the 'inner health' of the patient and their body's ability to change. The present pain may result from a lifetime's distortion and compensations, which cannot be unravelled instantly. A baby (who can be treated from very young) may only require a few sessions whereas a child with Cerebral Palsy may benefit from ongoing treatment. An adult may respond in about 4-8 sessions, but longer in deep seated conditions.

Some conditions where craniosacral therapy is a suitable treatment approach

  • All back dysfunction
  • Asthma
  • Blood pressure
  • Digestive disorder
  • Incontinence
  • Infant disorder including colic, sleeping, feeding, speech, ear and behavioural problems
  • Migraine and headache
  • Neurological conditions including Parkinson's disease, Bells Palsy and Cerebral Palsy
  • Pain
  • Pregnancy care
  • Rehabilitation after trauma and accident
  • Soft tissue injury
  • Stress and panic disorders

 

There are very few contra-indications to the use of craniosacral therapy.

The CST practitioner

Chartered physiotherapists using craniosacral therapy will have undergone practitioner training which may vary in length but should be about 50 days usually over two years. Training schools are accredited by The Craniosacral Therapy Association, which also sets high standards of competency for its members. Training is also organised by the Upledger Institute. The Forum of Cranial Trainings exists to set standards for and monitor the cranial training courses available. The Craniosacral Therapy Association of Chartered Physiotherapists (CTACP) is represented here.

CTACP is set up to support and encourage craniosacral physiotherapists. CTACP recognises the importance of complete competency in this work and monitors the standards of training and practice offered to chartered physiotherapists. CTACP is a recognised clinical interest group of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy. The Society recognises and accredits clinical interest groups that represent a distinct field of physiotherapy clinical approach that may be specific to a client group, a clinical area or a particular treatment approach.

Further information

Craniosacral physiotherapy may be available in some NHS trusts and is more readily available in private practice. For further information on craniosacral therapy or CTACP or for help in finding a craniosacral physiotherapist in your area, please contact:

 

Alternatively, see our physio2u directory to locate a chartered physiotherapist specialising in craniosacral therapy who practises in your area.

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