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What Can Craniosacral Therapy Do For Me?

Danielle Q Currey, ND, CST-T

So far in this series, we have covered two important topics.  First, what is craniosacral therapy?  Second, what is the craniosacral rhythm?  Now that we have a better understanding of what craniosacral therapy is, we can ask, “What does it do?”

There are two different ways of doing this.  We can try it for ourselves or ask others about their experiences. 

If you prefer a first-hand account, you are welcome to read about how craniosacral therapy has changed my life. 

If you are interested in taking a look at research studies, let’s continue: 

Where do we Begin?

First, let’s compare the different research types.  Not all are created equal, and not all therapies can be researched the same way.

First, we have the gold standard: the double-blind-placebo-controlled trial.  Here, a treatment and placebo (non-treatment) are compared.  There are usually two groups: one that gets the treatment and another that receives the placebo.  While the research is being done, neither the participants nor the researchers know who gets the treatment and who receives the placebo.  This form of study lends itself well to comparing different medications as it is easier to hide who gets what treatment.

Next, we can have randomized controlled trials. RCTs work better for studying craniosacral therapy and other hands-on treatments.  Our treatment is compared to another treatment.  In these studies, participants are divided into treatment groups randomly.  Then, the results are compared.

Lastly, we can look at case studies.  Case studies are analyses of people receiving treatment in real life.  Some only involve one person, while others look at larger groups.  The most significant difference here is the absence of a comparison group - also called a control.  Biases and conflicts of interest can also complicate some case studies. 

To understand a treatment, we need to compare different studies.  A meta-analysis, or systemic review, does this.  Here, we look at multiple studies and compare their results.  Do the studies agree that a treatment works or doesn’t?   Meta-analyses and systemic reviews will answer this question. 

Whenever a meta-analysis or systemic review is available, I recommend starting there. 

What Does the Research Say About Craniosacral Therapy?

Meta-analysis:

Chronic Pain -

In this 2020 analysis (1), ten studies compared treatment with craniosacral therapy to another.  The participants were randomized, but no placebo was used, and everyone knew who was receiving CST or an alternative treatment.  When all the data were analyzed, craniosacral therapy was shown to be more effective than any other treatment studied, even six months later!   The improvements were both in lowered pain levels and increased daily function.  

Low back pain -

In another meta-analysis published in June of 2023, craniosacral therapy was compared to other therapies and outperformed them all. This study focused on non-specific low back pain and showed improvement in lowering pain, increasing function, and improving mental health. (2)

This is huge news!  Not only does it show craniosacral therapy helps pain, but it also shows craniosacral therapy works better than many other treatments.  It also indicates long-term benefits from craniosacral therapy!  

Tight Hamstrings -

In this meta-analysis, craniosacral therapy techniques performed at the skull's base were effective in relieving tight hamstring muscles in the legs! The CST worked even better than a direct treatment of the hamstrings themselves. (3)

Heart Rate Variability -

In this systemic review, craniosacral therapy treatment is shown to positively influence heart rate variability and a moderate short-term increase in parasympathetic activity. (23)

Randomized Controlled Trials:

Stress recovery - 

This study showed that a single 5-minute session of craniosacral therapy reduced both the perception of stress and measurable markers of anxiety in healthy adult males. (4)

We remember that our nervous systems have two main modes: 

  1. Fight, Flight, Fawn, or Freeze

  2. Rest, Digest, and Socialize

We are either primed to respond to a threat immediately, or we can relax.  The first excited mode of being is called sympathetic, and the restful mode is the parasympathetic.  Both modes are characterized by different body responses, including which neurotransmitters are coursing through the blood.  Think adrenalin or GABA.

Two core CST techniques practiced by all Upledger craniosacral therapists were shown to quickly and significantly promote parasympathetic activity:

  1. Occipito-atlantal decompression (5)

  2. CV4 Still point (6). 

This means both techniques helped participants relax and recover from the stress of their daily lives subjectively and objectively.

The application of craniosacral therapy reduced stress hormone levels in male firefighter cadets. The results indicate that craniosacral therapy (five sessions, one per week) has an effect on the reduction of stress hormones. (27)

Infantile Colic - 

Craniosacral therapy for infants with colic reduced their symptoms. This helped them sleep more and cry less. (7,8)  If you have been up all night with an inconsolable baby with colic, you know how important this is!

Migraine Headaches - 

When craniosacral therapy was compared to other migraine treatments and a placebo called complementary light-touch sham treatments, participants reported a significant reduction in pain levels, duration, and frequency of migraines.  (9,10, 22)

The results indicated that standardized CST was both effective and safe in alleviating the migraine intensity and frequency as well as the headache-related disability. (28)

Asthma in adults (11)

Urinary tract issues in Multiple Sclerosis (12)

Fibromyalgia (13)

CST along with Bowen therapy was also found to be effective in improving sleep in patients with fibromyalgia. (24)

Depression

Following OSH application in depressed youth, SNS activity may decrease, whereas HPA axis activity may increase. Future studies may examine the therapeutic efficacy of repeated OSH applications in depressed individuals. (26)

Case Reviews:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder -

Dr. Upledger and his contemporaries designed intensive retreats specifically for military veterans who developed PTSD in the line of duty.  These programs continue to run multiple times a year and in different locations.  These retreats and another study have had very positive results for participants (14,15) 

We also see an increase in the effectiveness of psychotherapy for PTSD when craniosacral therapy is incorporated.  (16)

Concussion - 

Several studies involving concussions received through military service, professional football, and daily life showed CST as a helpful treatment, especially for post-concussion syndromes.  Benefits were studied after the initial phase of recovery. (17,18,19)

Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction -

Few things help with this painful condition of the jaw.  Many standard treatments are costly, uncomfortable, and challenging to access.  Luckily, craniosacral therapy has also been shown to help. (20,21)  

Neurodevelopment -

The study shows that CST together with balance and coordination exercises can be a more effective and faster treatment to improve these motor skills, correcting and improving alterations during child neurodevelopment. (25)

So, Can CST Help…? 

Our research shows us craniosacral therapy helps treat conditions all over the body, primarily pain and stress.

Can we say that craniosacral therapy treats these conditions alone?  No, we currently don’t have that level of evidence.  

We can say craniosacral therapy can help reduce pain and dysfunction in people living with many different conditions. 

If you are struggling with your health, craniosacral therapy may offer you some much-needed relief.  The side effects are minimal, the safety level is high, and care is usually quite affordable. 

To our health, 

Danielle

To find a craniosacral therapist who has received training from the same school as me and who is near you, you can visit Upledger International.  You can search by your zip code or city and compare therapists based on their level of training. 

References: 

  1. Haller, H., Lauche, R., Sundberg, T. et al. Craniosacral therapy for chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. BMC Musculoskelet Disord 21, 1 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12891-019-3017-y

  2. Yang H, Wang X, Wang X, Yang J, Zhang W, Ding Y, Sang T, Chen W, Wang W. Effect of mindfulness-based mind-body therapies in patients with non-specific low back pain-A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Aging Neurosci. 2023 Jun 29;15:1148048. Doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1148048. PMID: 37455934; PMCID: PMC10340124.

  3. Jiang WB, Samuel OC, Li Z, Chen W, Sui HJ. Effectiveness of craniosacral therapy in the human suboccipital region on hamstring muscle: A meta-analysis based on current evidence. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Feb 3;102(5):e32744. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000032744. PMID: 36749266; PMCID: PMC9901966.

  4. Fornari M, Carnevali L, Sgoifo A. Single Osteopathic Manipulative Therapy Session Dampens Acute Autonomic and Neuroendocrine Responses to Mental Stress in Healthy Male Participants. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2017 Sep 1;117(9):559-567. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2017.110. PMID: 28846122.

  5. Kania, Adrienne M., Weiler, Kailee N., Kurian, Angeline P., Opena, Marielle L., Orellana, Jennifer N. and Stauss, Harald M.. "Activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex by occipitoatlantal decompression and transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation" Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, vol. 121, no. 4, 2021, pp. 401-415. https://doi.org/10.1515/jom-2020-0071

  6. Gurowska, A., Malak, R., KoBcz-Trzwsicka, A., et al. Compression of the Fourth Ventricle Using a Craniosacral Osteopathic Technique: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Volume 2017, Article ID 2974962, https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/2974962

  7. Castejón-Castejón M, Murcia-González MA, Martínez Gil JL, Todri J, Suárez Rancel M, Lena O, Chillón-Martínez R. Effectiveness of craniosacral therapy in the treatment of infantile colic. A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2019 Dec;47:102164. Doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2019.07.023. Epub 2019 Aug 13. PMID: 31780018.

  8. Castejón-Castejón M, Murcia-González MA, Todri J, Lena O, Chillón-Martínez R. Treatment of infant colic with craniosacral therapy. A randomized controlled trial. Complement Ther Med. 2022 Dec;71:102885. Doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2022.102885. Epub 2022 Sep 13. Erratum in: Complement Ther Med. 2022 Dec;71:102903. PMID: 36113708.

  9. Muñoz-Gómez E, Inglés M, Aguilar-Rodríguez M, Mollà-Casanova S, Sempere-Rubio N, Serra-Añó P, Espí-López GV. Effect of a Craniosacral Therapy Protocol in People with Migraine: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Med. 2022 Jan 30;11(3):759. doi: 10.3390/jcm11030759. PMID: 35160211; PMCID: PMC8836770.

  10. Arnadottir TS, Sigurdardottir AK. Is craniosacral therapy effective for migraine? Tested with HIT-6 Questionnaire. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2013 Feb;19(1):11-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.09.003. Epub 2012 Nov 9. PMID: 23337558.

  11. Mehl-Madrona L, Kligler B, Silverman S, Lynton H, Merrell W. The impact of acupuncture and craniosacral therapy interventions on clinical outcomes in adults with asthma. Explore (NY). 2007 Jan-Feb;3(1):28-36. Doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2006.10.003. PMID: 17234566.

  12. Raviv G, Shefi S, Nizani D, Achiron A. Effect of craniosacral therapy on lower urinary tract signs and symptoms in multiple sclerosis. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2009 May;15(2):72-5. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2008.12.006. Epub 2009 Jan 30. PMID: 19341983.

  13. Castro-Sánchez AM, Matarán-Peñarrocha GA, Sánchez-Labraca N, Quesada-Rubio JM, Granero-Molina J, Moreno-Lorenzo C. A randomized controlled trial investigating the effects of craniosacral therapy on pain and heart rate variability in fibromyalgia patients. Clin Rehabil. 2011 Jan;25(1):25-35. Doi: 10.1177/0269215510375909. Epub 2010 Aug 11. PMID: 20702514.

  14. Davis L, Hanson B, Gilliam S. Pilot study of the effects of mixed light touch manual therapies on active duty soldiers with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder and injury to the head. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2016 Jan;20(1):42-51. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2015.03.006. Epub 2015 Mar 26. PMID: 26891636.

  15. Perry C, Perry K, Boltuch R, Scisco M. Upledger CranioSacral Immersion Report for Dr. John E. Upledger Program for Military Post-Traumatic Stress. https://www.upledger.com/docs/2016-CranioSacral-Immersion-Program-Results.pdf

  16. Stub T, Kiil MA, Lie B, Kristoffersen AE, Weiss T, Hervik JB, Musial F. Combining psychotherapy with craniosacral therapy for severely traumatized patients: A qualitative study from an outpatient clinic in Norway. Complement Ther Med. 2020 Mar;49:102320. Doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102320. Epub 2020 Jan 16. PMID: 32147031.

  17. Wetzler G, Fryer S, Roland M, et al. The Ricky Williams Concussion Project. https://www.upledger.com/docs/The-Ricky-Williams-Concussion-Project.pdf

  18. Kratz SV, Kratz DJ. Effects of CranioSacral therapy upon symptoms of post-acute concussion and Post-Concussion Syndrome: A pilot study. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2021 Jul;27:667-675. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.05.010. Epub 2021 May 24. PMID: 34391304.

  19. Wetzler G, Roland M, Fryer-Dietz S, Dettmann-Ahern D. CranioSacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation: A New Treatment Intervention for Concussion Recovery. Med Acupunct. 2017 Aug 1;29(4):239-248. doi: 10.1089/acu.2017.1222. PMID: 28874926; PMCID: PMC5580370.

  20. Golanska P, Saczuk K, Domarecka M, Kuć J, Lukomska-Szymanska M. Temporomandibular Myofascial Pain Syndrome-Aetiology and Biopsychosocial Modulation. A Narrative Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jul 23;18(15):7807. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18157807. PMID: 34360099; PMCID: PMC8345811.

  21. Heinrich S. The role of physical therapy in craniofacial pain disorders: an adjunct to dental pain management. Cranio. 1991 Jan;9(1):71-5. doi: 10.1080/08869634.1991.11678352. PMID: 1843484.

  22. Jiang G, Ma S, Zhao J, Zhang M, Li Y, Chen W, Cui L, Jia L. Assessing the efficacy and safety of Craniosacral therapy for migraine: A single-center randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Nov 10;102(45):e35431. Doisingle-center: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035431. PMID: 37960717; PMCID: PMC10637508.

  23. Cook AC, Egli AE, Cohen NE, Bernardi K, Chae MY, Kapalko BA, Coyne SA, Scott R. The Neurophysiological Effects of Craniosacral Treatment on Heart Rate Variability: A Systematic Review of Literature and Meta-Analysis. Cureus. 2024 Jul 18;16(7):e64807. doi: 10.7759/cureus.64807. PMID: 39156412; PMCID: PMC11329942.

  24. Avichal Ughreja R, Venkatesan P, Balebail Gopalakrishna D, Preet Singh Y, Vani Lakshmi R. Effectiveness of craniosacral therapy, Bowen therapy, static touch and standard exercise program on sleep quality in fibromyalgia syndrome: A randomized controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2024 Jul;22(4):473-483. doi: 10.1016/j.joim.2024.06.003. Epub 2024 Jun 24. PMID: 38955652.

  25. León-Bravo G, Cantarero-Carmona I. A Longitudinal, Observational, and Descriptive Study About Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy in Child Neurodevelopment. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2024 Apr 16:99228241245334. doi: 10.1177/00099228241245334. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38624090.

  26. Pala ÖO, Çıtaker S, Güney E, Sepici A, Güveli GM, Arslan B, Gürü M. Effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative applications on hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in youth with major depressive disorder: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Osteopath Med. 2024 Feb 29;124(6):267-275. doi: 10.1515/jom-2023-0056. PMID: 38414339.

  27. Wójcik M, Bordoni B, Siatkowski I, Żekanowska E. The Effect of Craniosacral Therapy on Blood Levels of Stress Hormones in Male Firefighter Cadets: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Behav Sci (Basel). 2023 Nov 8;13(11):914. doi: 10.3390/bs13110914. PMID: 37998661; PMCID: PMC10669461.

  28. Jiang G, Ma S, Zhao J, Zhang M, Li Y, Chen W, Cui L, Jia L. Assessing the efficacy and safety of Craniosacral therapy for migraine: A single center randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 Nov 10;102(45):e35431. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000035431. PMID: 37960717; PMCID: PMC10637508.