The musculoskeletal system is formed through the connection of bones, ligaments, cartilage, muscle, and tendons. Each of these structures, however, is susceptible to injury or diseases. Our physical therapists use a wide variety of treatments to manage these problems. Here you will learn more about the common medical conditions that are treated, as well as rehabilitation techniques specific to each disorder.
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY
In the early 1900s, doctors realized bones moved in the head, and fluid flowed in rhythm through the body. These early findings spawned the understanding of the craniosacral system as we know it today. Only recently have physical therapists realized the importance of this system. The ability of tissues to express natural rhythmic motion is critical to maintain or restore health.
In the early 1900s, doctors realized bones moved in the head, and fluid flowed in rhythm through the body. These early findings spawned the understanding of the craniosacral system as we know it today. Only recently have physical therapists realized the importance of this system. The ability of tissues to express natural rhythmic motion is critical to maintain or restore health.
Craniosacral therapy is a very soft-touch, hands-on approach that involves listening to subtle body rhythms to detect patterns of inertia and congestion. Treatment encourages and enhances the body’s own self-healing and self-regulating capabilities, even for the most acute resistances (post surgical scar tissue) and pathologies.
A
subtle form of manual therapy, craniosacral therapy is a gentle noninvasive
manipulative technique in which clinicians feel the subtle rhythms of the
system. During sessions, a therapist rarely applies pressure that exceeds the
weight of a nickel. It’s different from massage because it requires a much
lighter touch and involves less motion.
The craniosacral system provides the internal impetus for the development, growth and functional efficiency of the brain and spinal cord. It is divided into two parts: anatomic and physiologic.
The anatomic parts of the craniosacral system include meingeal membranes (sheath that holds membranes together), osseous (bone cells) structures that attach to those membranes, non-osseous tissue structures and cerebral spinal fluid. It also encompasses the structures related to production, re-absorption and containment of cerebral spinal fluid.
The physiological parts include six systems: nervous, musculoskeletal, vascular, lymphatic, endocrine and respiratory. Abnormalities in any of these systems may affect the craniosacral systems, especially the brain.
Craniosacral therapy may be effective because it’s so closely linked with the other body systems. Therefore, it may be useful for musculoskeletal dysfunction’s, neurologically involved problems, stuck fascia, adhesions or other movement related problems. It may also help hyperactive children and people with digestive and lymphatic problems, glandular imbalances and other body system problems.
Therapy provides the impetus for the body to correct itself. The craniosacral system is delicate and intimately related to the other body systems. Ignoring that fact can have dire consequences.
Consider the situation of a patient that went to the doctor with back pain. She had already been through the traditional course of treatment and was treated by an Orthopedic surgeon. The initial diagnosis indicated a hypermobility (extreme mobility) of the sacroiliac joint on the right side. Doctors suggested surgery to fuse the right side and provide stability.
She wanted to avoid surgery and sought a pain management center, yet her pain persisted. After going to a physical therapist that specialized in craniosacral procedures, she found that she had a hypomobility (lack of mobility) on the left and that side was stuck and couldn’t move. It was suggested that myofacial release and craniosacral techniques be implemented to balance the two sides so the sacrum could move appropriately. Over two weeks passed her pain gradually decreased.
Craniosacral therapy has been overlooked in medicine. While this therapy may be useful for many conditions, proper training is a must. However with the right guidance and knowledge, a physical therapist can help patients achieve remarkable results.
Knowledge is prevention
