What is Craniosacral Therapy? Let's talk about it simply.

Have you ever had to deal with a headache, neck pain, or a strange pain all over your body that doesn't go away no matter how much medicine you take? There are some types of pain, and it's hard to find a reason for it. So in cases like these, there are various treatments that are used as a help in addition to our regular medical treatments. Today we are going to talk about one such gentle, external treatment that helps reduce pain. This is called Craniosacral Therapy.

What is Craniosacral Therapy (CST) in simple terms?

Simply put, Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on treatment performed by a trained therapist. The main goal is to release tight, tense areas in your body.

Now you might be thinking, "How can that happen with a broken arm?" Think about it this way. Our organs, muscles, nerves, blood vessels, brain, and spinal cord are all connected and covered by a network of membranes inside our bodies. It's like a web of threads in a garment. In medicine, this is called 'Fascia.' Since this fascia membrane is spread throughout the body, tension or stress in one place can affect another.

In CST, the therapist places his or her hands on areas such as your head, neck, and back, identifying tension in this fascia and releasing it with very gentle pressure. The hope is that this will help the body self-regulate, self-correct, and self-heal.

What conditions can CST therapy help with?

This treatment is often recommended as an adjunct to the main treatment prescribed by your doctor, to help control symptoms. See the table below for a list of conditions that may benefit from this treatment.

But remember this: This is not something you can decide on your own. You should talk to your doctor and follow his or her advice before resorting to this type of supportive treatment.

Is this treatment suitable for everyone? Who is it not suitable for?

This is generally a safe and gentle treatment for both adults and children. However, there are some special cases where this treatment is not appropriate. If you have recently had one of the following conditions, your doctor may postpone this treatment for a while.

• If you have recently had blood clots in your body.
• If you have a concussion caused by a head injury.
• If you have brain swelling or a brain aneurysm.
• If there is a problem with the pressure, flow, or accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid.
• Special conditions related to brain structure, such as Chiari malformation.

What happens during a therapy session?

This is a very relaxing, calming experience. It's like getting a massage, but you're completely naked . The room is often dimly lit and has soothing music playing.

Before starting treatment, the trained therapist will talk to you about your health concerns, pain areas, and what you expect from this treatment.

You will then be made to lie down on a massage table. The therapist will apply very gentle pressure to various parts of your body, especially the head, neck, and spine. This pressure is equivalent to a weight of about 5 grams, which is very light. It is common for you to feel relaxed and at ease during the treatment, as if you are going into a deep sleep. The therapist will often ask you if you are comfortable, so don't be afraid to let them know right away if you feel uncomfortable.

A session usually lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. Depending on your condition, you may need to attend several sessions to get the best results.

Can I do this at home by myself?

No. While you can get relief by massaging your head and neck at home, CST is a treatment that can only be performed by professionals who have received special training for this purpose. It requires a deep understanding of the body's structure and fascia system.

What are the benefits and risks of CST treatment?

As with any treatment, there are benefits and minor risks. However, since this is a very gentle treatment, the risks are minimal.

When should I see a doctor?

This is very important. If you experience severe pain or discomfort after a CST session, or if your old symptoms worsen, see your doctor immediately. If you notice anything unusual or different about your body, your doctor is the best person to consult. You can also inform the therapist who performed the treatment, but it is essential to seek medical advice.

You may feel a little dizzy after the treatment, so don't get up all at once, wait a while, and then get up slowly. This will help prevent falls.

Craniosacral Therapy, CST, Fascia, Chronic Pain, Migraine, Neck Pain, Physical Therapy, Complementary Therapies