What is CranioSacral Therapy?
Cranio Sacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive, hands-on healing modality that focuses on the wave-like rhythmic pulse that goes through the entire body. … The goal of Cranio Sacral therapy is to help get rid of restrictions in this system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
Cranio Sacral Therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.
How does CranioSacral Therapy Work?
Few structures have as much influence over the body’s ability to function properly as the brain and spinal cord that make up the central nervous system. And, the central nervous system is heavily influenced by the craniosacral system the membranes and fluid that surround, protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord.
Every day your body endures stresses and strains that it must work to compensate for. Unfortunately, these changes often cause body tissues to tighten and distort the craniosacral system. These distortions can then cause tension to form around the brain and spinal cord resulting in restrictions. This can create a barrier to the healthy performance of the central nervous system, and potentially every other system it interacts with.
Fortunately, such restrictions can be detected and corrected using simple methods of touch. With a light touch, the CST practitioner uses his or her hands to evaluate the craniosacral system by gently feeling various locations of the body to test for the ease of motion and rhythm of the cerebrospinal fluid pulsing around the brain and spinal cord. Soft-touch techniques are then used to release restrictions in any tissues influencing the craniosacral system.
By normalizing the environment around the brain and spinal cord and enhancing the body’s ability to self-correct, CranioSacral Therapy is able to alleviate a wide variety of dysfunctions, from chronic pain and sports injuries to stroke and neurological impairment.
What conditions does CranioSacral Therapy address?
Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury
Migraines and Headaches
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Autism
Stress and Tension-Related Disorders
Motor-Coordination Impairments
Infant and Childhood Disorders
Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
Chronic Fatigue
Fibromyalgia
TMJ Syndrome
Scoliosis
Central Nervous System Disorders
Learning Disabilities
ADD/ADHD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Orthopedic Problems
And Many Other Conditions
Is there any condition for which CST shouldn't be used?
There are certain situations where application of CST would not be recommended. These include conditions where a variation and/or slight increase in intracranial pressure would cause instability. Acute aneurysm, cerebral hemorrhage or other preexisting severe bleeding disorders are examples of conditions that could be affected by small intracranial pressure changes.
When was Cranio Sacral Therapy developed?
It was in 1970, during a neck surgery in which he was assisting, that osteopathic physician John E. Upledger first observed the rhythmic movement of what would soon be identified as the craniosacral system. None of his colleagues nor any of the medical texts at the time could explain this discovery, however.
His curiosity piqued, Dr. Upledger began searching for the answer. He started with the research of Dr. William Sutherland, the father of cranial osteopathy. For some 20 years beginning in the early 1900s, Sutherland had explored the concept that the bones of the skull were structured to allow for movement. For decades after, this theory remained at odds with the beliefs of the scientific and medical communities. Dr. Upledger believed, however, that if Sutherland’s theory of cranial movement was in fact true, this would help explain, and make feasible, the existence of the rhythm he had encountered in surgery.
It was at this point that Dr. Upledger set out to scientifically confirm the existence of cranial bone motion. From 1975 to 1983 he served as clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics at Michigan State University, where he supervised a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists and bioengineers in research and testing. The results not only confirmed Sutherland’s theory, but led to clarification of the mechanisms behind this motion – the craniosacral system. Dr. Upledger’s continued work in the field ultimately resulted in his development of CranioSacral Therapy.
Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy
A gentle hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the function of the craniosacral system, this physiological system helps protect and assist the delicate tissues of our nervous system; such as the brain, spinal cord and fine nerve fibres. It is comprised of the bones of the head, spine, face and mouth as well as the fascia and more delicate membranes and fluids contained within.
This is a therapy which enhances the body’s own healing abilities. CST in its essence involves gentle manipulations as the therapist both tests for restrictions and “listens” to the quality of the craniosacral rhythm, which the body regulates and maintains in order to feed and nurture our delicate nervous tissues. The forces used are exceedingly light and although the focus is in and around the head and spinal column, the treatment may be applied anywhere on the body.
CST clears restrictions in the fascial tissues of the body. These are the soft tissue layers that are continuous throughout the whole body and envelop every organ, muscle and bone down to the individual cells. As a light, hands-on approach, CST harmonizes with the body’s natural hydraulic forces and movements, thus encouraging and enhancing the body’s inherent natural healing abilities. This gentle releasing of chronic tensions within the body can effect major changes in both physical and emotional well-being.
All events in life are perceived by the body through the sensory network of nerves going into the brain. These events include trauma of any nature; injury, physical or emotional trauma, or could be chemical or biological in nature. Everything the body experiences, is recorded in the tissue and may cause restrictions. These may then manifest as disease, dysfunction or poor healing, as the body’s own healing and self-corrective techniques are overwhelmed and therefore less efficient.
Craniosacral therapy enhances the function of the Autonomic Nervous System, which consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. The body heals and repairs itself when the parasympathetic is dominant i.e. when we are most relaxed or asleep. The sympathetic nervous system, known as the “Fight or Flight” system is affected by the modern way of living and this can lead to undue stress. At worst this can be a chronic debilitating condition as we all know.
Relaxation has long been valued for its healing and restorative effects on the body and encouraging deep states of relaxation in the body is easily facilitated by Craniosacral therapy. The main centres of the nervous system lie in the cranial and sacral regions and the gentle manipulations of CST modulate the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, optimising the function of both. Craniosacral therapy requires no equipment, only the gentle hands and clear intention of the therapist. Everybody can avail themselves of its benefits, from babies to centenarians (and beyond).
Craniosacral therapy is useful as both a primary treatment method or as part of a treatment programme combined with other traditional or complementary techniques. The vast majority of conditions are safe to be treated with craniosacral therapy.
In conclusion the aim of CST is to assist and support the body as it heals itself and to optimise its functional level.
Due to its gentleness and effectiveness, many people include CST as a component in their personal wellness programs.
The unlimited potential to reach each individual’s Perfect Health utilizing craniosacral therapy.
What is Medical Massage?
Medical Massage is result oriented and the treatment is specifically directed to resolve conditions that have been diagnosed and prescribed by a Physician. The therapist may use a variety of modalities or procedures during the treatment but will focus the Medical Massage treatment only on the areas of the body related to the diagnosis and prescription. Medical Massage is generally billed in 15-minute segments using current procedural terminology and adhering to the usual and customary reimbursement fee schedule.
Why is a prescription necessary to perform Medical Massage?
In order for Massage Therapists to state that they are treating someone, they must first be able to legally determine what it is that they are actually treating.
Since it is beyond Massage Therapists’ scope of practice to diagnose, they must work from a doctor’s prescription if they are claiming to treat a specific condition. Non-prescribed therapy may also be administered to address clients, where assessment shows soft-tissue imbalances.
Many in the field may think this is giving away their power to the physician, but nothing could be further from the truth. A physician can become our most powerful ally when we learn to work in a cooperative manner. I have worked well with Neurologists, Orthopedists, General Practitioners, Psychiatrists, Podiatrists, Oral Surgeons, Osteopaths, and Chiropractors.
Giving up the wannabe mentality will enable Massage Therapists to manifest their highest potential as a Massage Therapist.
What are the benefits of Medical Massage Therapy?
The following lists many of the benefits of Medical Massage Therapy.
Releases tight and sore muscles which can cause Ischemia (Ischemia: A lack of blood supply to soft tissues, which causes hypersensitivity to the touch and allows for further injury to the tissues)
Helps relieve nerve compression or entrapment. (Pressure on a nerve by soft tissue, cartilage or bone, which can contribute to muscle atrophy, referred pain, paresthesia, and conditions such as pseudo sciatica, piriformis syndrome, pseudo angina, and others.)
Deactivates Myofascial Trigger Points (Trigger Points: Areas of high neurological activity, which refer pain to other parts of the body. Research has shown, trigger points may be responsible for as much as 74% of the everyday pain.)
Decreases Pain And Inflammation: Massage can restore suppleness and strength to your muscles, improving their overall function. It’s the ideal treatment for releasing tension or muscles in spasm and helps to release toxins such as lactic acid (produced by muscle tissue during exercise).
Alleviates Stress and Improves Circulation:
Proper circulation is vital to continued health. Your blood and lymph carry nourishment to the trillions of cells throughout your body and then carry away the waste to be eliminated from the cells. Massage encourages a better exchange of nutrients at the cellular level and more thorough detoxification. Remember, the future “you” is determined by how well your army of cells regenerates themselves, so this is indeed a critical part of remaining healthy. Massage has been practiced for thousands of years and is one of the earliest health treatments known to man. That is why it remains one of the best ways of dealing with everyday stress.
Aids in Digestion:Massage can improve digestive motility.
Increases Flexibility And Range Of Motion:By reducing hypertonicity and hypotonicity the muscles allow for normal ranges of motion to be restored. This also reduces the forces being applied to the joint capsule and diminishes the potential for joint and disk degeneration.
Calms The Nervous System:
The first sense to develop is your sense of touch. It’s not surprising when you consider that each square inch of your skin contains roughly 50 nerve endings. With as many as five million total touch receptors in your skin relaying messages onto your brain, your body’s initial response to massage is to relax and de-stimulate. Even a simple touch has been shown to lower blood pressure and reduce the heart rate. Touch can also signal the brain to produce endorphins, your body’s natural pain suppressors. The nervous system is your communication network, sending messages constantly that determine proper functioning throughout your body. Stress can affect the ability of the nervous system to do its job. The many nerve endings found in the skin and muscles are soothed by a massage, and this contributes to keeping your internal lines of communication open and operational.
Improves Posture And Coordination
Medical Massage is cost effective.
By assisting the client towards a quicker recovery from acute headaches, neck and back pain, skeletal muscular strains, sprains, etc. he or she is able to return to a normal productive life.
Medical Massage also helps to prevent future chronic pain conditions by effectively dealing with the cause of the problem and eliminating it. It is shown in the scientific literature that over 80% of the pain is coming from soft tissue injuries, and over 74% is directly attributed to Trigger Points. Overall Medical Massage achieves results and substantial cost savings to the client, employer and to society. As the general public becomes more familiar with the role of the Medical Massage Therapist they will be better able to handle their everyday soft-tissue pains. As powerful as Medical Massage Therapy can be, in certain cases it may be contraindicated. Please consult with your physician or healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment protocol.
Is it Regulated?
Massage has always been considered therapeutic, but the American Medical Massage Association (AMMA), formed in 1998, has set standards for medical massage practitioners. The AMMA offers a National Board Certification Agency exam, but you aren’t required to take it to practice medical massage. To take the level one test, you need to be a qualified massage therapist and have undergone at least 600 hours of supervised massage instruction.
Washington State has mandated that medical massage therapists be eligible for insurance reimbursement, but they are currently the only state with this regulation in place. Practitioners in other states may be eligible for insurance reimbursement, but there’s no guarantee, and the Affordable Care Act doesn’t make provisions for medical massage, though it does make provisions for massage in general.