Craniosacral Therapy
Realignment of the craniosacral system through gentle manipulation
Any injury to the craniosacral system can upset its balance and function. Realignment of this system enables the body to restore a healthy flow of cerebrospinal fluid and regulation of the nervous system.
OverviewCraniosacral therapy is a hands-on therapy that utilizes very light touch to identify and correct distortions of the craniosacral system. | BenefitsCraniosacral therapy may be beneficial in cases of neurological disturbance, cognitive impairment, and certain pain patterns. |
About
About Craniosacral Therapy
The domain of the central nervous system
The craniosacral system begins at the top of the head and extends to the base of the spine. It includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that protect your brain and spinal cord, and extends through the body via the connective coverings of your nerves.
Our inner hydraulic system
Cerebrospinal fluid has a natural fluid rhythm by which it moves through the craniosacral system. This fluid acts as a waste removal system for the brain, spinal cord, and nerve roots. When the body is injured or experiences trauma, the inertia of the cerebrospinal fluid is affected, creating dysfunctional patterns that can remain long after the instigating event. Craniosacral therapy aims to identify and correct these distortions.
Our Approach
An Integrative Approach to Craniosacral Therapy
At Integrative, each visit begins with assessment. Your practitioner will inquire about your health, asking detailed questions about what you’ve been experiencing. They will then guide you through one or more assessment methods, prior to treatment. These may include:
Applications
Applications of Craniosacral Therapy
Injury to the craniosacral system can occur due to physical trauma, toxicity, infection, emotional trauma, or prolonged stress. Compromise to this system can manifest in many different ways, but certain symptoms may be particularly responsive to craniosacral therapy:
- Neurological symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, loss of coordination, loss of muscle strength
- Cognitive symptoms, such as memory and concentration issues, behavioral problems, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Pain, particularly tension headaches, migraines, neck, jaw, and back pain, and fibromyalgia
- Systemic inflammatory referral syndromes, such as kidney issues creating low back pain, or right shoulder pain caused by gallbladder inflammation
How It Works
How does Craniosacral Therapy work?
Overview of Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a hands-on therapy that utilizes very light touch - often no more pressure than the weight of a nickel - to identify and correct distortions to the craniosacral system.
Target Area of the Body
In order to assess and correct the craniosacral system, hands are placed lightly over specific areas of the body - with emphasis on the skull and sacrum - and very subtle manipulations are completed.
Health Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy
Our patients generally report a feeling of deep relaxation during their treatments. Following treatments, you may experience an improvement in neurological or cognitive function, or a decrease in pain.
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First Visit
What does your first visit look like?
Your first visit is the opportunity for you to share your health goals, and for your doctor to gather vital health information that will help them to determine the root cause of your health concerns and the best treatment plan for you.
One
Complete Medical and Lifestyle History
Your doctor will take a complete history, gathering details regarding your current and past health concerns, lifestyle, as well as current supplements and medications
Two
Testing
If needed, your doctor will recommend tests, either at Integrative or with your medical doctor. They may also requisition results from tests you’ve completed in the past.
Three
Physical Exam
Within your first visit, your doctor may also perform a physical exam. This may include basic vitals, Applied Kinesiology, or inspection and palpation of specific areas of concern.
Practitioners
Your Participating Practitioners
The Naturopathic Physicians at Integrative are primary care providers with expertise in a wide variety of functional medicine techniques, including Pharmacology, herbal medicine, nutritional science, and acupuncture. This knowledge allows them to apply a truly Integrative approach to each of their unique patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
View all FAQs 
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Am I candidate for craniosacral therapy?
Only a practitioner trained and certified in craniosacral therapy can determine whether or not you are a good candidate. Within your visit, your Doctor will determine if you are a good candidate and will recommend a treatment plan.
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What does craniosacral therapy treat?
Injury to the craniosacral system can manifest as a wide variety of symptoms. Certain symptoms may be particularly responsive to craniosacral therapy, including neurological symptoms, such as tingling, numbness, loss of coordination, loss of muscle strength; cognitive symptoms, such as memory and concentration issues, behavioral problems, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); pain, particularly tension headaches, migraines, neck, jaw, and back pain, and fibromyalgia; and systemic inflammatory referral syndromes, such as kidney issues creating low back pain, or right shoulder pain caused by gallbladder inflammation.
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How much does craniosacral therapy cost?
Craniosacral therapy typically occurs during visits with your Naturopathic Doctor. The cost of craniosacral therapy will vary depending on how many sessions are required and whether or not you receive other treatments during your visit.
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How many craniosacral therapy treatments are typically required?
The response to treatment varies, depending on the overall health of the patient, severity and chronicity of health concerns, frequency of treatment, and other lifestyle factors. Most people only require a few treatments, but some may require many more. Once you begin treatment, your Doctor will be able to monitor how you respond and provide a better estimate of how many treatments may be required.
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What are the side effects of craniosacral therapy?
Response to craniosacral therapy varies; many patients may notice an increase of symptoms prior to an improvement. Other potential side effects include headaches, muscle aches, lightheadedness, emotional release, and fatigue. Your Doctor will do a full review of potential other side effects prior to your treatment.
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Is craniosacral therapy covered by MSP or Extended Health Plans?
Since craniosacral therapy occurs during a visit with your Naturopathic Doctor, your visit will be billed as a Naturopathic visit. If you qualify for Premium Assistance through MSP, you may qualify for a small percentage of your visit cost to be covered by MSP. Most Extended Health plans do have coverage that can be applied to naturopathic visits; however, most plans have a limit to their coverage per year. We recommend contacting your insurance provider directly prior to your visit to determine your coverage.