What are the benefits of early intervention?
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) can be done as early as the first few days of life. CST can potentially reduce a wide spectrum of health challenges, many of which might not otherwise become apparent until a child is in school.
What to expect in your newborn or child’s CST session.
A typical CST session takes place in a quiet, peaceful setting. Parents are encouraged to bring toys and a blanket to the session that the child will associate with comfort. The child remains clothed, and is treated on a padded table. Parents stay in the therapy room and participate in the child’s session. Reactions of CST vary. Newborns and children may sleep through the session, while others may be alert, and even crawling around. Older children are usually comfortable lying on the table and relaxing. Delicate manual techniques are then used to release restrictions in the child’s body and head.
CranioSacral Therapy indications for newborns:
Problems Nursing
Latching-on
Sucking Problems
Rooting
Reflux
Tight lips, cheeks, or tongue
Side bend of the head (or baby favoring one side, Torticollis)
Flat head (Plagiocephaly)
Easily upset, unable to calm self
Problems sleeping
Sensory problems
Failure to Thrive
Traumatic Births such as C-Section, Suction, Forceps or if baby was positioned in birth canal too long
Infants 2 or 3 years of age these conditions show as:
Speech problems or late talking
Excessive drooling
Sensory problems
Hyperactive/attention deficit
Difficulty crawling and walking
Lack of upper body strength
Problems with balance and coordination
Immune disorders (frequently sick)
Ear infections
Children after the ages of 4 or 5 conditions show as:
Speech problems
Sensory problems
Inability to self-calm
Dyslexia/Dysgraphia (reading and writing)
Learning Disabilities
ADD/ADHD
Nervous tension
Headaches/ Migraines
Issues with manual dexterity (hand motor skills)
These conditions can be addressed at any age. But, the earlier baby is treated for any of the above indications the better. When babies and children hold CranioSacral restrictions their bodies must work around these blocks through inefficient and often uncomfortable physical compensations.
The work of CranioSacral Therapy is based on structure and function. When structure is restricted, function becomes stressed and limited. When structure is opened, the body’s full functionality is restored, and discomfort is alleviated.