Physical therapy often focuses on improving structures with strength training movements and exercises, but our therapists also have some more passive techniques that they can use in conjunction with standard therapy techniques to really help drive home symptom relief. One such passive alternative therapy option is what’s known as craniosacral therapy. In today’s blog, we explain how craniosacral therapy is used to help alleviate symptoms from certain conditions, and why it has some critics in the therapy world.
The Basics Of Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a therapeutic technique that involves using gentle and precise touch to manipulate areas of the cranium, skull, spine or pelvis to help provide the patient with pain relief. The technique was first developed in the 1970s, and some people really believe in its benefits, while others are a little skeptical that pain relief derives from the actual physical manipulation.
The therapeutic technique works by affecting the pressure and circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid around the brain and spinal cord. By manipulating how cerebrospinal fluid moves in the body, patients may be able to find relief from conditions like:
- Tension headaches
- Migraines
- Stress
- Chronic fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Asthma
- Neck pain
We believe in craniosacral therapy, but we also believe that it shouldn’t be your only type of treatment for your condition. Coupling this technique with a more active and targeted treatment tends to drive home success and symptom relief.
Minnesota Physical Therapists
At Ortho Rehab Specialists, we provide comprehensive physical therapy care to patients throughout the Twin Cities. Our physical therapists have decades of experience helping patients improve their range-of-motion and decrease their pain levels. Contact us today to learn more about the variety of physical therapy services we offer and see if you could benefit from physical therapy. You can find us at our Edina or Minneapolis physical therapy clinics.