“John’s talents are integrated and his knowledge deep. That is why I went to him, but it is moving to experience him in action. My goals are to maintain good health and to release the effects and memories of childhood abuse. He is helping me through craniosacral therapy and visceral manipulation. My daughter, an energy and bodyworks practitioner who lives out of town, recommended him to me because he also does brain work and few people do. My requests of him have been different each time. He is able to help me in those specific areas and pick up on and treat so much more. I am deeply indebted to him for his skill and the sense of calm that comes (sometimes through a flood of tears, sometimes through deep breaths and smiles) with each healing. I knew I wanted something more than the acupuncture and massage therapy I had been doing for years as prevention and release with other practitioners and his combination of modalities is a profound experience. He is there to guide me through the trauma so it can be addressed and released once and for all. This is an indescribable thrill. So it is an understatement when I say he is definitely worth the drive up the expressway from Decatur!”
M. Siegel

craniosacral therapy

Craniosacral Therapy was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M, following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University.

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle method of detection and correction that enhances and balances the body’s nervous and musculoskeletal systems.

The therapist uses light touch techniques to release restrictions in connective tissues and relieve undue pressure on the brain and spinal cord. This technique facilitates the body’s self-corrective mechanism, reduces stress, and promotes general health and vitality.

What Is Craniosacral Therapy

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle touch manual therapy that specifically targets the connective tissue and fluid system of the spine and brain. The fluid of this system is known as the cerebrospinal fluid.

The specific boundaries of this fluid is a connective tissue in our bodies known as the dura mater. The dura mater covers the brain and the spinal cord and within it is found the cerebrospinal fluid.

There is a balance in the pressures associated with this fluid system in healthy individuals. Since the craniosacral system includes the brain and spine, it is intimately associated with the central nervous system, the autonomic nervous system, the neuromusculoskeletal system, and the endocrine system.

What all that means is that disorders and dysfunctions of these systems may respond favorably to craniosacral therapy.  CST can be used alone in therapy but can generally play a role in solving the dysfunction/disorder puzzle.

CST may be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities like other manual therapies, exercise, behavioral modification and other medical treatments in order to help individuals on their healing journey.

What Conditions Can Craniosacral Therapy Treat?

Many of the following medical conditions may respond well to treatment utilizing cranio-sacral therapy:

  • Headaches (including migraine, cervical, stress)
  • Sinus problems (including seasonal allergies, infections)
  • Neck and back pain (acute and chronic conditions)
  • Balance problems
  • Autoimmune disorders (including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, psoriasis, connective tissue disorders)
  • Scoliosis and other spinal conditions
  • Temporal-mandibular joint syndrome
  • Post traumatic stress syndrome
  • Asthma
  • Seizures
  • Learning disabilities (including ADD, ADHD, autism, Asperger Syndrome)
  • Post surgical recovery
  • Visual disturbances (including nystagmus, strabismus)
  • Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
  • Stress and tension related problems
  • Strokes
  • Torticollis
  • Central nervous system disorders
  • Infantile disorders (including colic)
  • Orthopedic injuries and dysfunctions

Here, at ABove Physical Therapy we have been using Craniosacral Therapy for conditions such as…

  • Sciatica
  • Headaches,
  • Whiplash Injuries
  • Herniated Discs
  • Pelvic Pain
  • Fibromyalgia

For more information on these techniques please visit The Upledger Institute

If you have any questions about our services, call us today at 770-904-2332, or email us.