Skip to content

CranioSacral Therapy Q & A

What is CranioSacral Therapy? 

CranioSacral Therapy is a very gentle, light touch approach that releases tension in the central nervous system so that every other system in the body can relax; self correct and free itself of pain and discomfort. I am trained and certified by the Upledger Institute.

How can it help me?

CranioSacral Therapy can help with numerous conditions to release restrictions that cause pain and discomfort. Because CST works with the nervous system, which affects all parts of the body and mind these techniques can be effective in treating the entire body. CST can help with headaches, chronic neck and back pain, motor-coordination impairments, colic, autism, central nervous system disorders, orthopedic problems, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, scoliosis, infantile disorders, learning disabilities, chronic fatigue, emotional difficulties, stress and tension, fibromyalgia, neuralgia, TMJD, immune disorders, neurovascular disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, post surgical dysfunction among others.

How many sessions will I need for my ________ problem? 

I can’t tell you specifically how many sessions you will need to address your condition. Typically, the longer the problem has been manifesting itself, the longer it will take to resolve. Sometimes CST is like peeling an onion; releasing a restriction can lead to a deeper problem or dysfunction manifesting itself. With CST we work to get to the root of the dysfunction by releasing one layer at a time. I usually suggest three treatment sessions fairly close together to see how you respond. Some clients see immediate results, however, and their problem is resolved in one session.

I didn’t feel much, why not? 

CranioSacral therapy is a light touch technique, which allows the nervous system to relax and work with, not resist, the therapist’s touch. The physiological manipulations we make are very subtle, sometimes only moving the tissue a millimeter or less. Some people feel this movement amplified, but others don’t feel anything. Most people, however, feel very relaxed during and following the treatment.

What may I feel?

Some people feel little or nothing during their CST session. Besides the feeling of relaxation, some clients may feel their heart rate change, small muscle twitches and/or involuntary muscle movement. Their stomach may grumble, and they might notice their breathing change. Some people feel dizzy or lightheaded immediately after a treatment. It is important to move slowly and drink plenty of water following your session. If you don’t feel anything, don’t worry, that is normal, too.

How come I feel pain in my _____ when I didn’t feel it at the beginning of the session?

CranioSacral works to release restrictions in layers like peeling an onion. Sometimes, releasing one layer can have the effect of bringing another to the surface. Our bodies are fabulous at compensating for injury or restriction and once we take away their compensatory crutch, old injuries may present themselves in a new way. I like to think of change in sensation as progress towards health. It can also take a few days for your body to integrate the changes that we made during the session. During that time you might feel new sensations. If you have any questions, please call me, and I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.