CranioSacral Therapy

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

Therapy was developed in the 1970s by Dr. John E. Upledger, a doctor of osteopathy. It is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that uses light touch - about the weight of a nickel - to locate and relieve restrictions and pain in and around the central nervous system.

CranioSacral broken down is made up of two parts: cranium and sacrum. The cranium, or otherwise known as the skull, is what houses your brain, while the sacrum is the triangular shaped bone located at the base of your spine that is connected to the pelvis. The spine runs between the cranium and the sacrum which protects the spinal cord with membranes and cerebrospinal fluid. 

The rhythm of this fluid is what drives CranioSacral Therapy. Just as your heart rate and blood pressure changes in relation to stress, your craniosacral fluid reacts in a similar function. When the natural rhythmic pattern is disrupted it can result in increased tightness and dysfunction within the connective tissue, fascia, muscles, and nerves that lie within that region. CranioSacral Therapy is used to reset the central nervous system through self-healing by enhancing the body's natural biological processes to restore mobility, decrease pain, relieve pressure, and reduce tension.

Who can benefit from CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy can benefit people of all ages and has been useful at treating both physical and psychological conditions. Common conditions include:

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction 

• IBS/Digestive problems

• Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury

• Migraines and Headaches

• Chronic Neck and Back Pain

• Stress and Tension-Related Disorders

• Chronic Fatigue

• Fibromyalgia

• TMJ Syndrome

• Scoliosis

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Sinus conditions

• Insomnia

• ADD/ADHD

CranioSacral Therapy and Pelvic Floor Therapy 

The pelvic floor is made up of tissue, fascia, muscles, and bones, just like any other part of the body. These structures can become tight or weak due to posture, trauma, childbirth, overuse, and pressure changes. This can lead to compressed nerves and decreased blood flow causing pain and pelvic floor dysfunction.

CranioSacral Therapy can be used in conjunction with Pelvic Floor Therapy to facilitate the body’s healing process. There are specific diaphragm releases used in CranioSacral Therapy that address both the pelvic and respiratory diaphragm. These two diagrams work synergistically and by relieving the tension in both it will help to optimize your breath and pelvic floor connection.

Health & Happiness, 

Dr. Bobbi and Dr. Katie