What Is Craniosacral therapy?
There was a time when I found myself asking this question, so you are not alone if you are wondering the same thing!
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on therapy that uses very light touch (only 5 grams--about the weight of a nickel) to areas of the head and body where there may be tension or restriction. This gentle approach makes CST safe, calming, and well-tolerated across the lifespan, even for newborns. Instead of focusing on only one body part or area, Craniosacral Therapy is a whole-body approach, supporting the body’s structure and function.
CST works by using light touch to help:
· Improve mobility and space within the nervous system
· Release restrictions along nerves and connective tissues
· Support nervous system regulation and ease of movement
Fascia also plays a role-- a thin membrane covering the body’s muscles, tendons, organs, and connects throughout the body from tongue to toes. Think of the film that covers a raw chicken breast before you cook, or the white membrane of an orange that you find under the peel, surrounding the slices. When there is tension in one area of the fascia, it can cause imbalance and dysfunction in other areas. The same goes for all our bodies-- babies, children, teens, adults—all of us!
Why I Provide Craniosacral Therapy:
My passion for Craniosacral Therapy began during my own breastfeeding journey with my son when he was 3 weeks old. As a pediatric physical therapist, I value thoughtful clinical reasoning and evidence-based care— so I dove into the research and training opportunities surrounding CST and have never looked back! I am deeply passionate about helping infants, young children, and their families navigate comfort, movement, and feeding challenges to optimize function and their special connection. CST is a gentle tool that I use to help support babies and families release tension, improve ease of movement and function, and restore balance.
Is craniosacral therapy right for my baby—or me?
That is a great question! Every baby is unique, and therapy sessions can look different for each child and family. Craniosacral Therapy has many benefits for babies, children, and adults, and I have listed some examples below—it’s not an exhaustive list but represents what CST can help with!
· Torticollis (head turn preference)
· Plagiocephaly (head shape asymmetry)
· Tension in areas of the body; difficulty with movement
· Supporting nervous system regulation and relaxation
· Birth trauma or complications
· Shoulder dystocia, quick/slow labors, infant presentation at birth
· Tension in the neck, shoulders, jaw, and low back
· Difficulty with latch, tension during feeding
· Oral restrictions (i.e. tongue ties, lip ties, buccal ties etc.)
· Digestion, constipation, reflux-like symptoms
· Colic or uncomfortable infants
· Creating space for rest, grounding, and healing during the postpartum period
· And much more!
If you’re curious whether Craniosacral Therapy could support your baby, your postpartum recovery, or both, I’m always happy to talk through your questions and help you decide what feels right for your family. While I love CST and truly believe in its benefits, I love offering options for patients and use physical therapy therapeutic techniques along with craniosacral therapy when needed! Combining therapies can provide such a positive impact for your little one, and it is my mission to provide passionate care and lasting support with all my patients.
At Be Still Wellness LLC, you and your baby’s care is my main priority. Raising your baby is such a tender and special time, but can also be exhausting when facing different challenges—I have been there, too! You deserve compassionate and innovative care that listens and goes above and beyond, and I could not be more honored to walk with you all during your journey. At Be Still Wellness LLC, we find stillness, connection, and hope, one session at a time!
Warmly,
Emily PT, DPT, CBS
Continued reading:
Berg PA. The role of the craniosacral therapist in the treatment of ankyloglossia (tongue-tie). Int J Pediatr Neonat Care 8: 183. (2022).
Castejón-Castejón M, Murcia-González MA, Martínez Gil JL, et al. Effectiveness of craniosacral therapy in the treatment of infantile colic. A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 47:102164. (2019).
Haller H, Dobos G, Cramer H. The use and benefits of craniosacral therapy in primary health care: A prospective cohort study. Complement Ther Med. 58:102702. (2021).
Hawk C, Minkalis A, Webb C, Hogan O, Vallone S. Manual interventions for musculoskeletal factors in infants with suboptimal breastfeeding: A scoping review. J Evid Based Integr Med. 12;23:2515690X18816971. (2018).
Hazelbaker A. The impact of craniosacral therapy/cranial osteopathy on breastfeeding. Clinical Lactation. (2020).
Upledger JE (2008). Craniosacral Therapy: What it is, how it works. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books.