How This Gentle, Hands-On Approach Supports Infants and Children
For parents in Middleton and across the Treasure Valley, ensuring your child’s optimal health and development is a top priority. When challenges arise, from feeding difficulties to unexplained fussiness, it can be stressful. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) offers a gentle, non-invasive solution that supports your child’s natural ability to heal, addressing underlying tensions that can impact their comfort and well-being. This specialized therapy can be a key component of an integrated care plan, helping your child thrive from the earliest stages of life.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, hands-on technique that enhances the functioning of the craniosacral system—comprising the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a touch often no heavier than the weight of a nickel, a trained therapist can detect and release restrictions or tensions within this vital system.
The birthing process, and even positioning in the womb, can sometimes create tension patterns in an infant’s body. These restrictions can affect the delicate bones of the skull, the spine, and the interconnected web of connective tissue, or fascia. CST works to release these tensions, allowing the body to self-correct and return to a state of balance. For an infant, this can lead to profound improvements in comfort, function, and overall disposition.
Supporting Your Infant from Day One
Many common challenges that newborns face can be linked to underlying physical tension. By addressing these root causes, Craniosacral Therapy can provide significant relief and support development in several key areas:
Feeding and Latching Difficulties
Successful breastfeeding or bottle-feeding requires complex coordination of the jaw, tongue, and facial muscles. Tension in these areas can make it difficult for an infant to get a deep, comfortable latch. CST gently releases restrictions in the jaw, neck, and palate, which can dramatically improve an infant’s ability to feed effectively. This can be especially beneficial for babies who have undergone an infant tongue-tie release, as it helps the body adapt to its new range of motion.
Colic, Reflux, and Digestive Discomfort
The nervous system plays a critical role in regulating digestion. Restrictions in the craniosacral system can impact the nerves that control the digestive tract, contributing to symptoms of colic and reflux. By calming the nervous system and releasing physical tension, CST can help ease digestive distress, leading to a happier, more comfortable baby.
Torticollis and Head Shape Asymmetry
Torticollis (tightness in the neck muscles) can cause a baby to favor turning their head to one side, which can lead to flat spots (plagiocephaly). Craniosacral Therapy is highly effective at releasing neck and cranial tension, restoring balanced movement and allowing the head to round out naturally as the baby grows.
Did You Know?
The craniosacral system has a rhythmic pulse, much like your heartbeat or breathing rate. A trained Craniosacral Therapist can feel this subtle rhythm to identify areas of restriction or imbalance in the body. The goal of the therapy is to help restore the natural, balanced motion of this system.
An Integrated Approach to Your Child’s Health
At the Center for Orofacial Myology, Craniosacral Therapy is a vital part of our holistic and collaborative approach to care. True wellness comes from treating the whole person, not just isolated symptoms. CST complements and enhances the effects of other essential therapies we offer.
- Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy (OMT): OMT focuses on retraining the muscles of the face, mouth, and tongue. When combined with CST, the body is better prepared for these exercises. CST releases deep fascial restrictions, allowing the muscles addressed in OMT to function more optimally. This synergy is powerful for treating everything from tongue posture to sleep apnea. Learn more about our Orofacial Myofunctional Therapy services.
- Speech and Feeding Therapy: For a child to develop clear speech and safe swallowing skills, the physical structures of the mouth and throat must be able to move freely. CST can release tension that may be hindering progress in speech therapy or feeding therapy.
- Lactation Support: When a baby struggles with nursing due to physical tension, CST can be a game-changer. Our therapists work alongside lactation consultants to address the physical barriers to successful breastfeeding.
Expert Care, Close to Home in Middleton, ID
Finding comprehensive and compassionate care for your child shouldn’t require long drives and fragmented appointments. The Center for Orofacial Myology brings over 30 years of expertise to families in Middleton, Boise, and the surrounding Treasure Valley communities. Our integrated team of specialists collaborates to understand your child’s unique needs and create a personalized treatment plan.
We understand that as a parent, you are looking for solutions that are not only effective but also gentle and respectful of your child. Craniofacial and Craniosacral Therapy is at the heart of our gentle, whole-body approach, paving the way for better health and development.
Ready to Explore a Gentler Path to Wellness?
If your child is struggling with feeding, sleep, or developmental challenges, Craniosacral Therapy may be the gentle solution you’ve been searching for. Let our experienced team at the Center for Orofacial Myology help you understand the root cause and support your child’s journey to optimal health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Craniosacral Therapy safe for my baby?
Absolutely. CST is one of the gentlest therapies available and is considered extremely safe for infants and children. The pressure used is incredibly light, and the techniques are non-invasive. Many babies find the sessions so relaxing they fall asleep.
What does a Craniosacral Therapy session look like?
A session is typically calm and quiet. Your baby can be held in your arms, lying on a treatment table, or even nursing during the treatment. The therapist will gently place their hands on your baby’s head, sacrum (tailbone), and other areas of the body to listen to the craniosacral rhythm and release any restrictions they find.
How many sessions will my child need?
The number of sessions needed varies for each child. Some babies experience significant improvements after just one or two sessions, while others with more complex issues may benefit from a series of treatments. Your therapist will discuss a recommended plan with you after an initial evaluation.
Can CST help before and after a tongue-tie procedure?
Yes, CST is highly recommended both before and after a frenectomy (tongue-tie release). Pre-procedure sessions can help relax the oral tissues, making the release more effective. Post-procedure, it helps release residual tension and encourages the body to adapt to the new mobility.