Craniosacral Therapy

Discovering the best form of therapy for your condition can be an enlightening moment. That "aha" moment for many of our patients comes when we introduce Craniosacral Therapy.

Craniosacral Therapy is an effective treatment for:

• headaches and migraines,
• chronic neck and back pain,
• anxiety and nervousness,
• insomnia,
• depression,
• TMJ,
• dizziness and tinnitus,

Craniosacral Therapy is a powerful alternative in cases where other therapies have not provided relief.  In addition, craniosacral therapy promotes relaxation and immune system function, thereby enchancing healing throughout your body.

The Best Hands-On Therapy Available

Our Craniosacral Therapist, Sue Coughtry, LMT applies her many years of experience, attention and energy on you and your individual needs. In addition to being a Craniosacral Therapist, Sue Coughtry, LMT is a New York licensed and Nationally Certified Massage Therapist, Certified Reiki Master and Certified Personal Trainer. Your session with Sue Coughtry includes a combination of her skill and knowledge from all these areas to give you the best hands-on therapy available.

How It Works

The craniosacral system consists of the brain, spinal cord, membranes and the fluid within it.  This fluid has a pulse or rhythm not unlike the pulse of the circulatory or respiratory systems.  

After the body experiences a trauma such as a fall or accident or has been in a cycle of repeated stress, the rhythm within the craniosacral system can be disrupted and a restriction can occur in the natural flow of this fluid.  Because the system that is affected is the central nervous system, a variety of different symptoms can occur from headaches to chronic pain and many other neurological complaints. 

Through light touch and gentle manipulation of areas on the head and throughout the body including the spine, a trained practitioner can detect where the natural flow is restricted and facilitate a release where flow is then restored.  The natural healing ability of the body is the key to the effectiveness of this therapy. 

This complementary therapy is gaining popularity due to its gentle and non-invasive treatment of a variety of symptoms. In addition, Craniosacral Therapy works well in conjunction with other therapeutic techniques to promote balance and recovery for a variety of symptoms.

Case Study #1

A woman in her 50's came to The Center with allergies that developed into ear infections several months ago. The ear infections cleared up but one ear remained plugged and filled with fluid and the patient stated that she couldn't hear out of it.

The patient's ear, nose and throat specialist recommended surgery but the patient wanted to try an alternative approach instead. Our therapist saw her a total of three times for craniosacral therapy. On the third visit the patient stated that she could hear out of her ear and it was no longer plugged. She also stated that she had her energy back as well.

Case Study #2

A female patient in her 50's came to The Center complaining of chronic low back pain that kept her from being able to sit for long periods of time. This was difficult for her as she had a desk job. The pain had been with her for many years. She had a history of several falls on her tailbone as well as fractures to the tailbone.

After two sessions of craniosacral therapy, the client reported that the pain was gone and she could sit at her desk for the length of her shift. A monthly follow-up was recommended and client continues to be pain free.

What a Session is Like

In a typical session the patient lies on a padded table on their back, fully clothed and usually covered with a blanket.  Light touch no heavier than the weight of a nickel is used to detect the rhythm of the craniosacral system and gentle techniques are used on the head, spine and throughout the body to release a restriction. 

A client can expect to feel relaxed, sleepy or even energized.  Some clients report that they become more aware of their body and the restrictions within it. A typical craniosacral therapy session lasts approximately one hour.