Discovering a Gentle Path to Wellness for Your Little One
As a parent in Eagle or anywhere in the Treasure Valley, your child’s comfort and healthy development are your highest priorities. When you notice challenges with feeding, persistent fussiness, or recovery after a medical procedure, finding the right support can feel overwhelming. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) offers a gentle, non-invasive approach that works with your child’s body to release tension and improve function. It can be a vital component of a holistic care plan, addressing the root causes of many common infant and childhood issues.
What Exactly Is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique that evaluates and enhances the functioning of the craniosacral system—the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a touch that is often no heavier than the weight of a nickel, a trained therapist can detect and release restrictions or imbalances within this delicate system.
These restrictions can stem from a variety of causes, including a difficult birth, in-utero positioning, or tethered oral tissues like a tongue-tie. By freeing these restrictions, CST helps the central nervous system perform at its best, which has a positive ripple effect on the entire body. At the Center for Orofacial Myology, we integrate craniosacral therapy into comprehensive treatment plans to support optimal growth and resolve functional challenges.
How Craniosacral Therapy Can Benefit Your Child
Support After Tongue-Tie Release
An infant tongue-tie release (frenotomy) is a crucial procedure for improving feeding and oral function. CST is an invaluable partner in this process. Before and after the release, it helps to relax tight muscles in the jaw, neck, and shoulders, allowing for better healing and maximizing the benefits of the procedure. It can significantly improve tongue mobility and reduce the chance of tissue reattachment.
Improving Feeding and Latching
Successful breastfeeding or bottle-feeding requires coordinated movement of the tongue, lips, and jaw. Tension in these areas can lead to a weak latch, painful nursing for the mother, and poor milk transfer for the baby. By releasing facial and cranial tension, CST can improve your baby’s ability to coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing. This work is a cornerstone of our expert lactation support and feeding therapy programs.
Soothing Colic, Reflux, and Digestive Discomfort
An unsettled nervous system or tension in the abdomen can contribute to symptoms of colic and reflux. CST helps to calm the baby’s entire system by influencing the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in digestion. By gently releasing restrictions in the torso, it can ease digestive discomfort and promote a more relaxed state for your infant.
Addressing Torticollis and Plagiocephaly (Flat Head Syndrome)
Torticollis, a condition where neck muscles cause the head to tilt or turn, is often linked to birth trauma or in-utero positioning. CST is highly effective at releasing the specific fascial strain patterns in the neck and shoulders that cause this imbalance. This can also help prevent or address plagiocephaly by allowing the baby to rest their head more symmetrically. Our integrated physical therapy services often incorporate CST for these conditions.
Did You Know?
- • Feather-Light Touch: The pressure used in pediatric Craniosacral Therapy is incredibly light, typically about 5 grams—the weight of a nickel. This ensures the technique is safe and comfortable for even the most fragile newborns.
- • A Holistic Approach: CST doesn’t just treat symptoms. It works to improve the health and function of the central nervous system, which governs all other bodily functions, promoting whole-body wellness.
- • Rooted in Anatomy: Developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger, CST is based on extensive anatomical and physiological principles. It is a highly-respected therapy used by trained healthcare professionals worldwide.
What to Expect During a Session
Your child’s comfort and safety are paramount. A pediatric CST session is a calm and gentle experience. Here’s a general overview of a typical appointment:
- Comprehensive Evaluation: The session begins with a conversation about your child’s health history, your concerns, and your goals for therapy.
- A Relaxed Setting: The therapist works with your child wherever they are most comfortable—in your arms, on a treatment table, or even while playing on the floor.
- The Gentle Application: Using a light touch, the therapist will place their hands on your child’s head, spine, and other areas to feel for the craniosacral rhythm and identify any areas of restriction.
- Child-Led Therapy: Sessions are adapted to the child’s needs. Many infants sleep through the entire session, while others may become more relaxed and calm. The therapist follows the cues of your child’s body to facilitate release.
Expert Craniosacral Therapy in Eagle, Idaho
For families in Eagle, Boise, Meridian, and across the Treasure Valley, the Center for Orofacial Myology provides more than just isolated treatments. We offer a truly integrated approach to care. Our specialists in orofacial myology, speech therapy, and craniofacial therapy work together to understand the full picture of your child’s health. CST is a key part of this collaborative model, ensuring that we address underlying structural issues that can impact everything from breathing and speaking to feeding and sleeping. Our expert team is dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your child’s unique needs.
Ready to Explore a Gentler Approach?
If you believe your child could benefit from the gentle, effective support of Craniosacral Therapy, we are here to help. Schedule a consultation with our specialists to discuss your concerns and learn how we can create a personalized care plan for your child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Craniosacral Therapy safe for newborns and infants?
Absolutely. CST is one of the gentlest manual therapies available. The touch is extremely light and non-invasive, making it safe and effective for infants, even those only days old. Our therapists are specially trained in pediatric techniques.
How many sessions will my child need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the individual child and the complexity of their condition. Some infants experience significant improvement after just one or two sessions, while others with more ingrained issues may benefit from a longer series of treatments. Your therapist will discuss a recommended plan with you after the initial evaluation.
Does CST hurt?
No, CST should not be painful. The vast majority of infants find the therapy to be deeply relaxing. It is common for babies to fall asleep during their session. The therapist always follows the body’s lead and never forces a release.
What is the difference between CST and chiropractic adjustments or massage?
While all are forms of manual therapy, their focus differs. Chiropractic care primarily addresses spinal alignment and joint mobility. Massage focuses on relaxing muscles. Craniosacral Therapy works more subtly with the fascia and the nervous system, addressing the underlying rhythm and health of the craniosacral system itself.
Glossary of Terms
- Craniosacral System: The physiological system consisting of the membranes (meninges) and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and cushion the brain and spinal cord.
- Fascia: A thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, nerve fiber, and muscle in place. Restrictions in fascia can cause tension throughout the body.
- Frenotomy: A simple surgical procedure to release a frenulum, the small fold of tissue that secures or restricts motion. In infants, this most often refers to a tongue-tie or lip-tie release.
- Torticollis: A condition characterized by the twisting of the neck, which causes the head to tilt to one side, with the chin turned to the other.