Craniosacral Therapy (CST) for Babies
As a result of a difficult birth, fetal trauma, a long labor, the use of forceps or a vacuum suction tube, the soft bones of the head may become distorted. This and other traumas may lead to a variety of developmental delays and chronic health conditions. Over a series of visits, the craniosacral therapist gently (less than 5 grams of pressure) releases the soft tissue structures that surround the brain and spinal cord. This allows for normal movement of the brain. Craniosacral therapy has the capacity to rapidly resolve problems babies have; these include colic, sucking difficulties, sleep problems, and behavioral issues.
What is a session like?
Before I place my hands on your child, I check in with myself to make sure I am calm and grounded. I than gently place my hands in various positions and hold your baby to facilitate relaxation. Babies often enjoy being held by their mom during treatment. It is important for mom to be in the room close by because babies are still very connected to their moms. It is okay for your baby to take a bottle, either during or right after a session.
It may look like I am not doing much during a session beacuse I hold my hands very still so that I can "listen to your baby's body. My hands will feel and release areas of tension or restriction. Tension can be caused from being cramped in-utero, the delivery process or for many other reasons. I will facilitate and allow your baby's body the freedom to correct itslef. CranioSacral therapy is very gentle and nurturing for babies. Babies generally feel a sense of relaxation and warmth through their body. This allows an area of tension and tightness to soften and become more relaxated. They may gently move and stretch as their bodies release.
Craniosacral Therapy is helpful for babies with:
colic
reflux
excessive gas
constipation
sleep problems
decreased feeding
eczema or other skin irritation
discomfort during tummy time
recurrent ear infections
plagiocephaly (flat head)
Torticollis
CranioSacral therapy should be considered for babies with:
forceps or vacuum extraction delivery
c-section delivery
breech or transverse in utero position
prolonged labor or pushing time
short labor or pushing time
any type of Birth Trauma
pregnancy complications (gestational diabetes, illness, preterm labor, etc.)
History of decreased movements in utero
CranioSacral therapy may also be considered if you notice:
flat spots or bulges anywhere on the head
overlapping sutures anywhere on the head
strong head preference to one side
irritability
stiff movements
decreased eye contact
To read more about the applications of craniosacral therapy for babies click here: Massage Today article
This information is for informational purposes only. CranioSacral Therapy does NOT replace any advice or medications your baby's pediatrician has prescribed. It is used in conjunction with your medical doctor's recommendations and prescriptions or with other therapies.
Craniosacral Therapy and Myofascial Release are helpful for children with developmental delays, learning disabilities, brain injuries, and chronic health conditions
Some children have great difficulty focusing and paying attention. School and other activities may be very challenging for them. These children often "fall through the cracks" and do not reach their potential. There is a growing number of children diagnosed with ADD, ADHD, PDD, Learning Disabilities, Sensory Processing Disorder, Autism, Speech/Language Impairment or other neurological disorders.
These diagnoses and many others, are labels and symptoms of the brain and nervous system not functioning to it’s optimal capacity.
Restrictions within the craniosacral system or fascia are usually not detected by conventional approaches and may be impacting on your child’s overall health and development.
Craniosacral Therapy and myofascial release are whole body approachs that can have a positive effect on the brain’s overall functioning. This gentle approach may be used by itself or as an adjunct to other therapies and approaches like sensory integration (SI), and behavioral approaches because it helps address the cause of your child’s problems.
When working with developmental disabilities and brain injuries, It is necessary to look at the child as a whole person and attempt to treat the underlying cause of their problem by providing the optimal environment for your child's brain to correct itself as well as help modulate the nervous system to maximize function. For information about holistic approaches click here.
Other conditions treated include: asthma, earaches, headaches, sinus problems, sleep problems etc..
I have been working as an occupational therapist in pediatrics for 11 years in a variety of settings. I am a certified craniosacral therapist and have been practicing craniosacral therapy for 7 years. I have studied Craniosacral Therapy for pediatrics and have studied both biomechanical and biodynamic craniosacral therapy. In addition to CST and myofascial release, I have experience in Sensory Integration(SI), Brain Gym, Kinesiology, and pediatric yoga. I am former karate/fittness instructor for children, a certified New York State Early Intervention therapist (birth-3) and a member of the Holistic Pediatrics Association.
Body-Mind Health and Wellness Walter Blick MS, OTR/L, LMT 15 East 10th Street New York, NY 10003 Suite 1c 646. 957. 3155
Craniosacral Therapy is Gentle, Effective Treatment for Babies and Children
copyright 2009 Walter Blick , Myofascial Release and Craniosacral Therapy: New York, New York
