Do you have a pain in your neck? Headaches and neck pain can interfere with your life, especially if they become chronic. So can jaw pain, and a lot of the traditional treatments, including craniosacral therapy, have unpleasant side effects. There are other therapies that you can use, often in conjunction with these more mainstream treatments, that can help you with chronic pain. One of them is craniosacral therapy.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is a simple, gentle massage technique that works on your connective tissue or fascia. It’s a very light massage technique that involves very small manipulations of your head, neck, and upper back. A trained therapist performs craniosacral therapy on a massage table. It’s important not to attempt this therapy on yourself or others without professional guidance.
What Conditions can it Treat?
Craniosacral therapy appears to be most effective as a complementary treatment for chronic pain. Studies show that it can help with headaches, including migraine, and with not just upper back pain but lower back pain. The treatment helps release myofascial structures and normalize sympathetic nerve activity.
Another study demonstrated that it can help with pain caused by fibromyalgia, a condition that is notoriously difficult to treat, allowing patients to reduce their use of painkillers. It can also help with lower urinary tract symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis.
CST may also help you relax and reduce stress and anxiety. It can help with emotional well-being, like many forms of massage.
Are There Side Effects?
Typically, there are minimal side effects to CST. The risks are small as long as you choose a qualified practitioner. Some people may feel dizzy or lightheaded after the massage, and there may be mild discomfort if you are tender around your face and neck. Some people may also become tired. If you experience these mild side effects, talk to your therapist so they can adjust the treatment if necessary.
You should not undergo craniosacral therapy immediately after a concussion or any other condition that might impact your cerebrospinal fluid or cause swelling of the brain. Talk to your doctor about when it’s safe to resume the therapy.
How Long Does it Take?
A typical craniotherapy session takes thirty to sixty minutes. You can combine it with other massage therapies depending on your specific needs. Some people feel immediate relief, while others may have to wait a couple of days.
Many people do need several sessions over a few weeks or months, and for chronic conditions, such as migraine, you may want to schedule treatments fairly regularly. Your therapist will discuss your goals and determine the best plan of treatment.
If you have chronic pain, especially in your head or neck, craniosacral therapy may be right for you. Contact Naturally Zuri to schedule an appointment today.
