A Holistic Approach to Health
As a parent, your child’s comfort and well-being are paramount. When facing challenges like feeding difficulties, fussiness, or developmental hurdles, you want gentle, effective solutions. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a non-invasive, hands-on technique that supports the body’s natural healing processes. By using a soft touch, our trained therapists at Center for Orofacial Myology can release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system, helping to improve function and alleviate a wide range of issues in infants and children.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle form of bodywork that focuses on the craniosacral system—the membranes and fluid that surround, protect, and nourish the brain and spinal cord. The birthing process, though natural, can sometimes create tension or restrictions in an infant’s body, particularly in the head, neck, and back. These subtle imbalances can affect the function of the nervous system and contribute to common pediatric concerns.
A CST practitioner uses a touch that is often no heavier than the weight of a nickel to feel for subtle rhythms and release restrictions in the fascia—the body-wide web of connective tissue. This process helps calm the nervous system, enhances fluid circulation, and allows the body to self-correct, promoting profound relaxation and healing from within.
How Craniosacral Therapy Can Support Your Child
Addressing Feeding and Latching Difficulties
Many infants struggle with breastfeeding or bottle-feeding due to tension in the jaw, neck, or palate. CST can release this tightness, potentially improving their ability to latch, suck, and swallow effectively. This gentle therapy is an excellent complement to our lactation support and feeding therapy services, creating a comprehensive support system for both mother and baby.
Support Before and After Tongue-Tie Release
Ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, can create significant tension throughout the body. Craniosacral therapy is highly recommended both before and after an infant tongue-tie release. Pre-release sessions can relax the oral and facial muscles, allowing for a more effective procedure. Post-release, CST helps the body integrate the new freedom of movement and release compensatory tension patterns that may have developed.
Soothing Colic, Reflux, and Digestive Discomfort
Unexplained fussiness, colic, and digestive issues can sometimes be linked to a dysregulated nervous system. By calming the “fight or flight” response and releasing abdominal tension, CST can help regulate digestion and soothe your baby’s discomfort, leading to a calmer, happier infant.
What to Expect During a Session
A pediatric craniosacral therapy session at the Center for Orofacial Myology is a calm and gentle experience. Your child can be held in your arms, lying on a treatment table, or even playing quietly on the floor. Our therapist will use a very light touch to assess and treat areas of restriction. Babies are often very relaxed during treatment, and many even fall asleep. A session typically lasts between 30 to 60 minutes, and the comfort of you and your child is always our top priority.
The benefits can sometimes be noticed after just one session, though a series of treatments is often recommended for more lasting results. Our holistic approach means we often integrate CST with other services like physical therapy or speech therapy to address your child’s needs comprehensively.
Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy at a Glance
| Area of Support | How CST Helps |
|---|---|
| Nervous System Regulation | Calms the central nervous system, reducing fussiness and improving sleep. |
| Oral Motor Function | Releases tension in the jaw, neck, and head to improve sucking, swallowing, and breathing. |
| Musculoskeletal Balance | Addresses torticollis (head tilt) and plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) by restoring neck mobility and cranial bone alignment. |
| Post-Frenectomy Care | Supports healing and optimal tongue function after a tongue-tie release. |
Integrated Care for Families in Eagle, ID
Located conveniently for families in Eagle, Boise, and across the Treasure Valley, the Center for Orofacial Myology is dedicated to providing integrated, whole-body care. We understand that your child’s health is interconnected. That’s why our team of specialists collaborates closely to ensure every aspect of your child’s well-being is addressed. Craniosacral therapy is a cornerstone of our holistic philosophy, offering a gentle yet profound way to support your child’s development and help them thrive.
Ready to Explore a Gentler Path to Wellness?
If you believe your child could benefit from the gentle, supportive touch of craniosacral therapy, our team is here to help. Contact us to learn more about how our integrated services can support your family’s health and wellness journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Craniosacral Therapy safe for infants?
Absolutely. CST is exceptionally gentle and non-invasive, making it one of the safest therapies for newborns and children. Practitioners use extremely light pressure to facilitate the body’s own healing mechanisms. It is crucial, however, to seek a therapist specifically trained and experienced in pediatric CST.
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 may experience significant improvement after only one to three sessions, while others with more complex issues may benefit from ongoing therapy. Your therapist will discuss a recommended treatment plan after the initial evaluation.
Does my child need CST if they had a tongue-tie release?
While not mandatory, it is highly recommended. A tongue-tie creates tension patterns that affect not just the mouth but the entire body. A frenectomy releases the restriction, but CST helps the body release the associated muscle tightness and fascial strain, ensuring a more complete and functional recovery.
What conditions can Craniosacral Therapy help with?
CST can be beneficial for a wide range of pediatric conditions, including but not limited to: feeding and latching issues, colic, reflux, torticollis, plagiocephaly, sleep disturbances, general fussiness, and recovery from a difficult birth.
Glossary of Terms
Craniosacral System: A physiological system of the body that includes the membranes (meninges) and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect 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. It forms a continuous, body-wide network.
Ankyloglossia (Tongue-Tie): A condition present at birth that restricts the tongue’s range of motion due to an unusually short, thick, or tight band of tissue (lingual frenulum) tethering the bottom of the tongue’s tip to the floor of the mouth.
Torticollis: A condition in which the neck muscles contract, causing the head to twist to one side. It can be congenital (present at birth) and may contribute to feeding difficulties and plagiocephaly.
Plagiocephaly: A condition characterized by a flattening on one side of a baby’s head. It’s often associated with babies who have torticollis or spend a lot of time in one position.