pediatric craniosacral therapy
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive modality for re-balancing the body in a way that is appropriate for all ages, which is why it’s suitable and beneficial for children and infants.
This unique and effective holistic treatment, founded by Dr. Upledger, may alleviate a wide range of symptoms that show up in infants and children including stomach aches, headaches, sleep disorders, birth trauma, colic, and learning disabilities.
The birthing process can present challenges to both the child and family, and create significant lifelong impacts. The good news is that Pediatric Craniosacral Therapy can serve to support and normalize a child’s structure, balance their nervous system, and resolve traumatic issues of the birth and childhood experience. That being said, results may vary for each child. It may take a few sessions to see desired results. This is because, depending on the age of the child or infant, tension could date back to before they were even born. If we can treat a child early in life, we can prevent or resolve many conditions that can affect the child’s development abilities. Early treatments with Pediatric Craniosacral Therapy can positively affect structural, sensory, learning, development, and behavioral disorders.
When offering a Pediatric Craniosacral Therapy treatment, Dali works with the child along with their family member(s). By maintaining the contact and bond with the child and family, she will sync everyone’s craniosacral rhythm, which will inherently help the child release tension and come back into balance.
The goal for these treatments is not to cure conditions or disorders, but to improve the following symptoms, and to provide the infant or child a greater sense of comfort and ease:
- Phobias
- Accidents and Physical Trauma
- ADD / ADHD
- Autism
- Birth Trauma
- Cerebral Palsy
- Development Delays
- Colic
- Digestive Issues (gas, spitting up, vomiting, etc)
- Ear Infections
- Feeding, Suckling, and Swallowing Difficulties
- Headaches
- Inconsolable Crying
- Orthopedic Conditions including Scoliosis
- Sleep Disorders
- Torticollis
- Spasticity
- Vision Problems
What to Expect from a Pediatric CST Session
During a session, children are fully clothed and may sit on the massage table, on my lap, on the parent’s lap, or even on the parent’s chest while the parent is lying on the table – it really depends on the age of the child and their personal preference. Children, especially infants, are free to sit, crawl, or play with toys on the floor during the treatment. The most important aspect of the treatment is to make the child feel relaxed and safe, and for parents to participate in this process.
I customize techniques depending on a child’s attention span, special needs, and comfort level. I use gentle manipulation techniques while engaging with the child and their family member(s). At times, intra-oral (jaw) work is required, but seldom does the pressure exceed five grams.
Most children and infants respond really well to the treatment, and may sleep more after a session.
If you want to learn more about this modality to see if it’s suitable for your child and family, feel free to email me at balancedmanualtherapy@gmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this is a very gentle technique for children and infants.
Sessions typically last 60 minutes and include treatment for the child, as well as the parent, so the craniosacral rhythms are synced.
Yes, CST has proven to be beneficial for children with autism, ADHD, and other learning disabilities
Yes, CST can help relieve tension in the jaw, face, and neck, which can impact the muscles and structures involved in speech production. By reducing tension in these areas, CST may indirectly support better speech and language outcomes.