Craniosacral Therapy
Massage Type Offered - Craniosacral Therapy
Goto our Therapists page and look for this icon associated with each Therapist.
Craniosacral Therapy in Fort McMurray
Craniosacral therapy uses gentle touch to work with the bones of the skull, the lower spine and the pelvis. Developed by osteopathic physician and biomechanics professor John E. Upledger, it is used for chronic pain, head and neck pain, TMJ dysfunction and nervous system regulation. Higher Health Acupuncture & Massage Therapy Clinic offers craniosacral therapy in Fort McMurray, Alberta.
Session length - 60 / 90 minutes
Pressure - Very light. Often described as barely any pressure at all
Best for - Headaches, TMJ, chronic pain, stress, nervous system settling
Booking - Standalone or combined with massage
Insurance - Not covered
What is craniosacral therapy?
Craniosacral therapy is a complementary modality in which the therapist works gently with the whole body, including the spine and skull, its cranial sutures, the diaphragms and the fascia.
Using the hands as fine discriminating instruments, craniosacral therapists detect disturbances in the craniosacral rhythm. That helps them identify areas of dysfunction such as cranial, sutural, membrane and other soft tissue restrictions in the body.
The contact is very light. If you are expecting the feel of a conventional massage, this is not that.
What does craniosacral therapy help with?
- Chronic pain, central nervous system conditions, head and neck pain, TMJ dysfunction, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, seizure disorders, hormonal imbalance and chronic sinusitis
- Improved functioning of the autonomic nervous system, so the body responds more effectively to stress
- Improved immune system function
- Release of tissue and bone restrictions, improving mobility
- Tension release
- Pain relief
- Energy flow
- Overall relaxation and revitalization
What to expect in your session
- Intake covers your history, symptoms and anything neurological.
- You lie on the table, usually face up.
- Your therapist rests their hands at the head, sacrum or other contact points and holds.
- Very little visible movement happens. Many clients fall asleep.
- You may feel warmth, pulsing, or a sense of things settling.
Responses vary widely. Some people feel a marked shift the same day, others notice change over the following 24 to 48 hours.
Who should not book craniosacral therapy
Craniosacral therapy is not appropriate for anyone with acute intracranial bleeding, an aneurysm, recent skull fracture, or increased intracranial pressure. Speak to your physician first if you have had a recent head injury or concussion, have a seizure disorder, or have a diagnosed neurological condition. Craniosacral therapy complements medical care and does not replace it.
Frequently asked questions
It refers to a subtle rhythm practitioners palpate through the body, associated with the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Detecting variation in it is how therapists locate restriction.
No. The pressure is extremely light, roughly the weight of a coin in most contacts.
Some clients use it as part of post-concussion care, but a concussion needs medical assessment first. Get cleared by your physician, then bring their guidance to your appointment.
TMJ dysfunction is among the conditions it is commonly used for, often alongside trigger point work through the jaw and neck.
Yes. It is used with children and infants. See Child Massage and Infant Massage, where craniosacral techniques are part of the approach.
Related treatments
- Lymphatic Drainage - similarly light touch
- Reiki - for nervous system settling and relaxation
- Therapeutic Massage - hands-on work for the same conditions
Book online or call 780-743-0566.
Ready to Book a Massage? Book Now!
Never received a Massage before? Check out our "New To Massage" page, to get the most out of your Massage
