Discover a gentle, holistic approach to support your child’s development, comfort, and well-being.
As a parent in the Treasure Valley, you want the very best for your child. When you notice struggles with feeding, constant fussiness, or challenges with development, it’s natural to feel concerned and seek solutions that are both effective and gentle. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a non-invasive, hands-on technique that supports the body’s natural healing processes, making it an increasingly trusted option for infants and children facing a variety of challenges.
At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we integrate CST as part of a holistic approach to care. This therapy addresses subtle restrictions in the body’s core systems, helping to improve function, relieve tension, and promote overall wellness from the earliest stages of life. Let’s explore what this gentle therapy is and how it can benefit your family.
What Exactly is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy is a light-touch therapy focused on the craniosacral system, which consists of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. This vital system extends from the bones of the skull, face, and mouth—the cranium—down to the sacrum, or tailbone area.
A trained therapist uses a touch that is often no heavier than the weight of a nickel to feel for subtle rhythms and restrictions in this system. The goal is to release tension in the connective tissue, or fascia, that is woven throughout the body. By releasing these restrictions, CST helps the nervous system relax and allows the body to self-correct and heal, improving its overall function.
For infants, the birthing process can sometimes create tension patterns in their delicate bodies. CST is a safe and effective way to address these early strains, supporting better comfort and function from day one.
How Can CST Benefit Your Child?
Because CST supports the central nervous system, its benefits are wide-reaching. For parents in Boise seeking comprehensive care, it’s a valuable component of an integrated treatment plan. Here’s how it can help with common pediatric concerns:
Improved Feeding and Latching
Many infants struggle with breastfeeding due to tightness in the jaw, neck, or palate. This tension can make it difficult to latch deeply or suck effectively. CST gently releases these restrictions, which can significantly improve tongue mobility and coordination. It is an excellent complementary therapy before and after an infant tongue-tie release, as it helps prepare the tissues for the procedure and supports optimal healing and function afterward. Our lactation support team often works in tandem with CST practitioners to achieve the best outcomes.
Relief from Colic and Reflux
Unexplained fussiness, colic, and reflux can be linked to tension in the infant’s abdomen or compression of nerves that affect digestion. By gently releasing fascial strain in the pelvis and abdominal cavity, CST can help calm the digestive system, leading to a more comfortable and content baby. This can lead to better sleep and reduced crying.
Addressing Torticollis and Head Shape Asymmetry
Torticollis (a tilt or turning preference of the head) and plagiocephaly (flat spots on the head) are common issues often stemming from positioning in the womb or from the birth process. Craniofacial therapy in Boise, including CST, can release tension in the neck and cranial bones, helping to restore balanced movement and encourage a more symmetrical head shape.
Support for Overall Development
A calm and well-regulated nervous system is the foundation for healthy development. CST helps soothe the nervous system, which can benefit sleep patterns, sensory processing, and motor skill development. It serves as a foundational therapy within our broader physical therapy and feeding therapy programs.
What to Expect During a Session
A craniosacral therapy session for a child is a calm and gentle experience. Your child can be held in your arms, lie on a treatment table, or even play on the floor. The therapist will use a light touch on different parts of the body, such as the head, spine, and sacrum, to assess and release restrictions. Most infants and children find the sessions deeply relaxing, and many fall asleep. Sessions are tailored to the child’s needs and can last from 15 minutes to an hour.
Did You Know?
- The pressure used in Craniosacral Therapy is extremely light—about 5 grams, which is the weight of a nickel. This gentle approach makes it safe for all ages, including newborns.
- CST was developed by an osteopathic physician, Dr. John Upledger, in the 1970s as an evolution of cranial osteopathy.
- Because the body’s connective tissue (fascia) is one continuous web, restrictions in one area can affect distant parts of the body. CST addresses the body as an interconnected whole.
Integrated Care for Boise Families
At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we understand that finding the right support for your child can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer a collaborative, all-in-one clinic right here in Boise. Our team of specialists in orofacial myology, speech pathology, lactation, and physical therapy work together to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses the root cause of the issue.
Craniosacral Therapy is a cornerstone of our holistic philosophy. By incorporating this gentle bodywork, we can enhance the effectiveness of other treatments, from improving oral motor skills for speech therapy to ensuring successful outcomes for feeding and airway function. We are committed to providing families across the Treasure Valley with integrated care that supports lasting health and wellness.
Ready to Explore a Gentler Path to Wellness?
If you believe your child could benefit from a holistic and gentle approach to care, our team is here to help. Schedule a consultation to learn more about Craniosacral Therapy and our integrated services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Craniosacral Therapy safe for my baby?
Yes, CST is extremely safe for infants and children. The technique uses very light pressure and is non-invasive, making it one of the gentlest therapies available. Practitioners are specifically trained to work with the delicate structures of infants.
How many sessions will my child need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the individual child and the complexity of their condition. Some babies may experience significant improvement after just one or two sessions, while others with more complex issues may benefit from a series of treatments. Your therapist will discuss a personalized plan with you after an initial evaluation.
Does my child need to be still during the treatment?
No, children do not need to be still. Therapists are skilled at adapting the session to the child’s needs. The treatment can be done while the baby is sleeping, feeding, being held, or even while a toddler is playing quietly.
How is CST different from a massage?
While both are hands-on therapies, CST is distinct from massage. Massage primarily focuses on muscles and soft tissue. CST works on the deeper craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid protecting the brain and spinal cord—using much lighter, sustained pressure to release fascial restrictions and improve nervous system function.
Glossary of Terms
- Craniosacral System: The physiological system that includes the membranes (meninges) and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
- Fascia: A web-like connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber, and muscle in place. Restrictions in the fascia can create tension and limit mobility.
- Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF): A clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning, nourishment, and waste removal for the central nervous system.
- Torticollis: A condition where the neck muscles cause the head to twist or tilt to one side.