Migraines, back pain, and other chronic pain conditions are not only frustrating; they can also be debilitating. These forms of discomfort can keep you from performing your daily duties and even enjoying your favourite activities.
The bright side is that there are various non-invasive treatment options you can seek to relieve the pain. One particular technique you may want to explore is craniosacral therapy (CST), which is also referred to as cranial sacral massage.
If this is your first time hearing about this form of therapy, we’ve got you covered! In the sections below, we’ll guide you through what this practice is and what it can do for you.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
This is a form of touch therapy developed in the 1970s by Dr. John Upledger, an osteopathic doctor. As defined by Cleveland Clinic, CST is a gentle hands-on technique wherein a practitioner lightly touches the spine, skull, and pelvis to relieve tension in the central nervous system. Each massage therapy eliminates pain and boosts health and immunity, ultimately promoting a feeling of well-being.
Usually, craniosacral therapy is recommended for people experiencing migraines, back pain, and neck pain as well as chronic fatigue and stress. However, it’s also worth mentioning that CST has evolved over the years.
Thanks to results from recent studies, it is now also offered for people with immune disorders, dementia, autism, spinal cord injuries, and post-traumatic stress disorder among many others.
How Is Craniosacral Therapy Done?
This non-invasive, hands-on therapy is done while you are fully clothed. A trained massage therapist uses light touches to detect problem areas in the bones of your head, your sacrum (the triangular bone in the lower back), and your spinal column.
With manual techniques, the practitioner then “releases” these problem areas. This consequently relieves extreme pressure on the brain and spinal cord, which is known to cause migraines, fibromyalgia, and scoliosis.
What Can Craniosacral Therapy Help Treat?
More research is still needed to verify the benefits and effects of this massage therapy. Nevertheless, various studies are demonstrating its ability to help address various conditions like the following:
Migraines
A 2013 study showed a reduction of migraine symptoms after a month of treatment with CST. However, it’s also important to note that in this research, all participants were treated with craniosacral therapy. There was no control group; with this, it cannot be determined for sure if the reduction of symptoms were indeed due to the therapy.
Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS)
A 2017 study proved that CST can be an effective treatment intervention for concussion recovery. It explored the effects of craniosacral therapy on the research participants’ immobility, pain intensity, quality of life, sleep disorders, and cognition. The participants in this study were retired professional football players who had been medically diagnosed with PCS.
Aside from these, some studies also show evidence that cranial sacral massage is an effective adjunct treatment for chronic neck pain, stress and tension-related problems, as well as fibromyalgia and other connective tissue disorders.
Conclusion
If you are seeking a non-invasive and relaxing treatment for your chronic pain, craniosacral therapy is a great option. Like massage and acupressure, CST is a generally safe technique. It uses gentle touches to release stress and tension in your body, which effectively reduces the chances of inducing any physical damage. For the best results, get your CST treatment only from specialists.
Looking for a massage studio in Edmonton, AB offering craniosacral therapy? You’ve come to the right place! Soul 2 Sole offers several massage techniques including CST to address your various physical and mental issues. Book an appointment today and experience the effects of the treatment yourself!
