At Rebalance Physical Therapy, one of the therapeutic services we offer in Philadelphia and Main Line, PA is Craniosacral Therapy (CST) to help our patients heal and achieve full body balance. This gentle and noninvasive bodywork therapy treatment is known to help alleviate symptoms of various acute and chronic conditions especially when used in combination with other therapies such as Myofascial Release (MFR). Our trained PTs can help you improve your overall health and wellbeing with this holistic treatment.
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
CranisSacral Therapy (CST) involves gently releasing the soft tissues that surround the brain and the spinal cord and relieve pressure to the bones of the head and neck. The brain and spinal cord are two of the most important pieces of the Central Nervous System (CNS). The Central Nervous System has a significant amount of influence over the rest of the body, so if those areas are restricted, it can have a major effect over the rest of the body.
The Central Nervous System is heavily influenced by the CranioSacral system, which is the membranes and cerebrospinal fluids that surround, protect and nourish the brain and spinal cord.
What causes tension in the CranioSacral System?
Daily stressors, repetitive misalignments and muscle compensations can cause fascia restrictions, trigger points and other musculoskeletal issues to develop throughout the body. These same issues can occur in the CranioSacral system or the issues in other parts of the body can trigger imbalances in the CranioSacral system.
If tension forms in the CranioSacral system, it can cause restrictions that can impact the functioning of the brain and the spinal cord, which can prevent healthy performance of the central nervous system, which can have a chain reaction on the performance of all the other systems in the body.
What conditions does CranioSacral Therapy address?
- Migraines and headaches
- Neck pain
- Upper back pain
- Lower back pain
- Stress and tension-related disorders
- TMJ syndrome
- Scoliosis
- Fibromyalgia
- Orthopedic Issues
CranioSacral Treatment Method
CranioSacral Therapy basically releases any soft tissues around the head and spine to help the joints that support the central nervous system move properly and release any tension. This technique is usually used in conjunction with our other soft tissues techniques, including visceral mobilization, myofascial release and trigger point release to help reeducate the muscles and joints as we adjust the whole body alignment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is craniosacral therapy best for?
CST is often used to address a wide range of conditions, especially those involving the nervous system, chronic pain, stress, or tension.
Who should not use craniosacral therapy?
Since CST is a gentle and noninvasive therapy, it is generally considered safe for majority of patients. However, with every type of therapy, each person reacts differently and also might have other underlying health conditions. Some situations where CST should be avoided or practiced with extreme caution include recent head trauma, cerebral hemorrhage, increased intracranial pressure, and instability issues in the spine. It is essential to consult with a licensed healthcare provider first if you have experienced any of these conditions before considering CST.
How much does a craniosacral therapy session cost?
In Philadelphia, the cost of a Craniosacral Therapy (CST) session varies based on factors such as therapist experience and session length. If you are considering CST, schedule a free initial consultation and learn more about the treatment options.
