Pain and discomfort in the body often respond well to massage therapy. In some cases, a specialized technique known as craniosacral therapy may be a suitable choice to help you find relief. This hands-on method relies on a lighter touch to promote relaxation throughout the body and may be useful in treating chronic pain, migraines, and nerve dysfunction during cancer and stroke recovery. 

In the Beginning

Also known as CST, craniosacral therapy was developed in the 19^th century by Andrew Taylor Still, a doctor of osteopathic medicine. The treatment was born of the personal tragedy he suffered when he returned home after serving as a hospital steward during the Civil War. 

Upon his arrival, he found out that his children had died from a spinal meningitis pandemic. Some years later, his wife died in childbirth. Still was determined to find a way he could prevent this from happening to others.

A Surprising Discovery

Still eventually learned that the majority of people who died during the pandemic were administered a toxic medical treatment. By contrast, those who had meningitis but were not exposed to such treatments did not meet the same fate. Still was inspired and theorized that the body might be capable of healing on its own, without the need to treat with medicine. 

He became committed to finding treatments that were natural and didn't expose the body to potentially harmful ingredients. Through comprehensive research, he deduced that the musculoskeletal system played a pivotal role in overall health. This spurred the development of treatments like massage therapy and manipulation of the cranial system, incorporating the bones and the membranes that are surrounded by the spinal cord, along with cerebrospinal fluid and the sacrum.

Manual Therapy Benefits

Still was convinced that by correcting spinal misalignments, he could treat individuals who experienced various maladies, from headaches to body aches and pains. His theory was that minimizing pressure on those nerves would release the tension associated with them, thereby correcting whatever illness or injury might have occurred as a result. 

Much like massage therapy, it also had the added benefit of stimulating blood flow throughout the body. At the time, some of his ideas were met with disdain. Eventually, though, his work and teachings grew in popularity and inspired others to progress his work in the field. Other pioneers in the filed include Dr. William Garner Sutherland, an osteopathic physician, in the 1920/30's and by Dr. John Upledger, also an osteopath, since 1970's. Today craniosacral therapy is widely regarded for its pain-relieving benefits. See Part 2 for further history of this powerful treatment modality. 

Proudly serving clients throughout High Point, NC, and the surrounding areas, the team at Hands-On Health Massage & Physical Therapy is committed to helping you during every step of your recovery process. They’re proud to offer plans tailored to your specific needs, and they offer various services ranging from craniosacral to physical therapy. Visit the website for more information, or call (336) 906-2040 to speak with a representative.