CranioSacral Therapy: A Deeper Level of Massage
Clients commonly ask me if I offer “deep tissue” massage. The simple answer is yes, it is a part of every massage therapist’s training. However, it is not always the most effective approach. In my experience, ‘forcing’ a muscle to release by digging a knuckle or elbow into it often provides only temporary relief. I’m most interested in understanding why the muscle is so tight in the first place, so that the root cause can be addressed for longer-lasting relief.
Earlier in my massage therapy career I used a lot of ‘deep tissue’ massage techniques. Though some clients appreciated the endorphin release that can accompany the process, we often found that the results were only temporary. The client would leave the massage feeling great, but would return in a few weeks with the same symptom, and around and around we went. So I went searching for a different approach to these issues.
For about 3 years now, I have been incorporating CranioSacral Therapy into my massage treatments. I’m very pleased with the results. CranioSacral Therapy involves very gentle manipulation of the cranial bones and spine, to ease restrictions that affect brain and spinal cord function, and flow of cerebral spinal fluid. By integrating CranioSacral therapy with traditional massage therapy techniques, the results and efficacy of my treatments have improved in ways not possible by simply digging my elbow into the tissue. After all, we are working at the very deep level of the central nervous system.
Effectively addressing the root cause of physical discomfort can be a slow and challenging process, particularly if it is associated with long-standing injury or postural strain. Applying CranioSacral Therapy alongside traditional massage therapy is beneficial in many cases. It is particularly effective for clients who are unable to tolerate the usual pressure associated with massage, such as people with fibromyalgia. If you are curious about CranioSacral Therapy or wondering if it might work for you, I’m happy to answer any questions you may have in a complimentary 15-minute consult at the clinic.