What Does Craniosacral Therapy Help With?
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, manual therapy that releases tensions and restrictions deep within the body to relieve pain and dysfunction, and improve overall health. Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger developed CST after extensive clinical research at Michigan State University. In 1985, the Upledger Institute International was established. The Upledger Institute International trains healthcare professionals on these light-touch techniques. These techniques can be very helpful for many conditions. Learn more about what does Craniosacral Therapy help with in this blog.
Why is it used in PT?
Our bodies endure daily stresses and strains, and as a result, they may compensate. This can often cause tissues to tighten and change or distort the craniosacral system. The craniosacral system is the membranes and fluid that surround, protect, and nourish the brain and spinal cord. Craniosacral therapy techniques can be performed to detect and correct these restrictions. With gentle pressure, the restrictions in the craniosacral system can be released, allowing the body to self-correct and heal.
What are the benefits of Craniosacral Therapy?
There are many benefits to Craniosacral therapy. Our therapists have discussed before the importance and benefits to CST. You can check them out here. Here is a short list of benefits.
Physical Benefits
- Reduces chronic pain (neck, back, joints)
- Relieves headaches and migraines
- Eases jaw tension and TMJ dysfunction
- Improves posture and alignment
- Releases muscle and fascial tension
- Enhances mobility and flexibility
- Alleviates vertigo and dizziness
- Eases sinus congestion and facial pressure
Neurological & Cognitive Benefits
- Supports recovery from concussions and traumatic brain injuries
- Improves focus and mental clarity
- Reduces symptoms of nerve compression
- Eases sensory processing difficulties
- Enhances sleep quality
Emotional & Stress-Relief Benefits
- Calms the nervous system
- Reduces stress, anxiety, and panic
- Supports recovery from emotional trauma
- Promotes a deep sense of relaxation and inner peace
- Encourages emotional release of held tension or trauma
- Enhances resilience to daily stressors
A 2019 meta-analysis, authored by Haller et al., suggests significant and robust effects of Craniosacral Therapy on pain and function. Conditions that the craniosacral techniques can improve are chronic pain (including back, neck, joint pain, and discomfort), migraines, tension headaches, post-concussion symptoms, stress and anxiety, TMJ dysfunction, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, side effects from cancer treatment, immune and hormone issues, and post-surgical conditions or injury recovery.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain often stems from or is worsened by restrictions in the soft tissues, particularly the fascia — a network of connective tissue surrounding muscles and organs. Craniosacral therapy uses light touch to release these restrictions, helping to restore natural movement and relieve pressure on pain-sensitive structures.
Headache- Migraines – Concussion
Craniosacral therapy addresses the underlying imbalances in the craniosacral system that can contribute to headaches and migraines. CST may help by:
- Reducing nervous system hypersensitivity, which is often present in chronic migraine sufferers.
- Promoting full-body relaxation, decreasing the frequency, intensity, and duration of migraine episodes.
Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are often caused by muscular tightness in the neck, shoulders, scalp, and jaw. Craniosacral therapy helps by:
- Gently relieving muscle tension and fascial restrictions, particularly in the head, neck, and upper back.
- Restoring postural balance can reduce strain on muscles and joints that contribute to tension-type headaches.
Post-Concussion Symptoms
CST is especially helpful for individuals recovering from a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury, where symptoms often include headaches, brain fog, dizziness, fatigue, and sensory sensitivity. CST supports recovery by:
- Regulating the central nervous system, helping to reduce overstimulation and support cognitive clarity.
- Relieving pressure or tightness in the cranial bones and soft tissues that may have been impacted by the injury.
- Promoting cerebrospinal fluid flow, which enhances brain nourishment and detoxification.
- Easing physical and emotional stress carried after the injury, supporting a holistic healing process
Stress and Anxiety
- Calms the Nervous System by shifting the body from a “fight or flight” state (sympathetic nervous system) into a “rest and restore” mode (parasympathetic nervous system).
- Promotes Deep Relaxation to promote better sleep, improved mood, and a sense of emotional balance
TMJ Symptoms
- Jaw Pain or Tenderness is relieved with deep muscle and fascial restrictions, decreasing discomfort and stiffness in the jaw area.
- Clicking or Popping Sounds often result from misalignment or tension within the joint. CST works to restore normal function and movement patterns.
- Jaw Locking (Open or Closed) muscular imbalances and joint restrictions that contribute to locking sensations, improving the functional range of motion.
Who is Craniosacral Therapy for?
Craniosacral Therapy is ideal for those experiencing the above conditions and symptoms, as this gentle, hands-on technique works to relieve pain and dysfunction by addressing the craniosacral system. It is appropriate for people of all ages, from infants to the elderly.
Not a Stand-Alone Treatment
Craniosacral Therapy is not a replacement for conventional medical treatment, but rather a non-invasive adjunct treatment that can improve pain symptoms and function. If conventional treatments alone have not proven to be beneficial for your symptoms or conditions listed above, Craniosacral Therapy could be helpful to you. By addressing the craniosacral system, Craniosacral Therapy may complement concurrent medical treatments.
At Freedom PT Services, we have Craniosacral trained therapists who look forward to helping improve your quality of life, reduce your aches and pains, and restore energy and function to your daily life. We hope that we have helped you in exploring the benefits of craniosacral therapy. Our team at Freedom PT Services can help you determine if Craniosacral Therapy is right for you.