Pediatric Craniosacral Therapy

CST for Infants:

As humans, it is common for us to have skeletal and muscular abnormalities that can create an irregular infant position in utero. These irregular infant positions in utero can result in abnormal muscle tension and compression in the body much like a stiff neck or muscle soreness from lying in a strange position at night. During the birth process, the infant’s cranial bones will shift while they gradually descend through the birth canal. If the birth process is particularly fast, traumatic, and/or requires intervention, the additional stress can create tension in the infant’s body. This stress and tension can affect the infant’s function and can show up as feeding issues, digestive discomfort such as reflux, and increased fussiness. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) uses gentle non-invasive touch to release tension and promote overall calm and wellness.

CST for Children:

As children grow and develop, CST can help children while they go through a lot of emotional and physical changes. Additionally, illiness, injury, or trauma can leave tension in the body. CST can help to release the tension and create a more regulated nervous system.

What to expect:

On our first visit, I will ask questions about your pregnancy, birth, and your child's symptoms and habits. I will observe your child and make visual assessments on symmetry, mobility, and patterns. Your child will remain fully clothed and can take place on a padded table, caregiver’s lap, while breast/chestfeeding, and on the floor.

Please feel free to breast/chestfeed during the session if your child would like, as that often can be a helpful assessment tool and create comfort for the child. I often encourage parents to receive treatment themselves as the child co-regulates with the parent’s nervous system.  

Reactions may vary as some children may sleep through the session, while others may be alert and even crawling or moving around.  Toys and snacks come in handy for those who would like to explore the space.  Children may be silent or vocal, and sometimes cry.  I will work with your child to help them feel secure and relaxed.

Through gentle touch, I will use techniques to release restrictions in the child’s body and head, which will improve the function of the central nervous system.

 The Upledger Institute website includes more information and case studies on what others have experienced.

 What CST can address:

Anxiety

Atlas / Occiput Compression

ADD/ADHD

Autism

Behavioral Problems

Birth Trauma 

Cerebral Palsy

Colic/Reflux

Developmental Delays

Down Syndrome

Gastrointestinal Disturbances 

Chronic Ear Infections 

Eustachian Tube Problems 

Feeding Challenges

Headaches and Migraines

Head Banging / Pulling of the Hair

Hydrocephalus

Inconsolable Crying

Occlusion & Dental Problems

Orthopedic Conditions

Plagiocephaly (Flat Head)

Sinus & Breathing Problems

Sleep Disorders

Tongue and Lip Ties

Torticollis (turning head to one side)