CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.

By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:

• Migraine Headaches
• Chronic Neck and Back Pain
• Motor-Coordination Impairments
• Colic
• Autism
• Central Nervous System Disorders
• ADHD, ADD
• Orthopedic Problems
• Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries
• Scoliosis
• Infantile Disorders
• Learning Disabilities
• Chronic Fatigue
• Emotional Difficulties
• Stress and Tension-Related Problems
• Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
• Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ)
• Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

What to expect during a Craniosacral Therapy session:

The physician places a very light touch on your head, spine and sacrum examining the cranial rhythmic impulse and verifying the areas of the body where the impulse is restricted. The physician gently unwinds the membranous articular strains with his/her hands. When that happens, the patient may feel a slight sensation where the physician's hands are placed, otherwise, there is no sensation of pain or any other activities while he/she is performing these maneuvers on your body.

How long are the treatments?

Cranial manipulative treatments typically take 10 to 30 minutes.

How does craniosacral therapy work?

The body produces cerebrospinal fluid, which fluctuates 10 to 14 times a minute within the dura mater—the covering of the brain and spinal cord. The billions of brain cells expand and contract, which electrically and biochemically and hemodynamically cause a perceived pulse—the cranial rhythmic impulse.

Because of the articular design of the 22 bones of the skull, motion is permitted. The articular design of the sacrum (at the base of the spine) between the ilea or hip bones permits motion down the spine. Because the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord have elastin tissue and are allowed to expand and relax, the cranial rhythmic impulse can be felt. The amount of movement can be measured in millimeters and can be felt in all parts of the body by a skilled cranial osteopath.

What can I expect to feel during and after a treatment?

During a treatment, you can expect to feel subtle pressures on the head, spinal column and tailbone. You may also feel a slight pounding of fluid under the doctor’s hand. After a treatment, you may expect to feel overall general well-being, as well as relief of some or all pain.

Do some patients feel cranial manipulation more strongly than others?

Yes. Generally speaking, the more out of balance a patient is, the more he or she will feel the cranial manipulation. Some people are also more sensitive than others.

How frequently should I get a treatment?

Depending on your condition, treatment may be recommended once or twice a week on an outpatient basis. As your condition improves, treatments should taper to twice a month, then once a month, and finally to three or four times a year for preventive maintenance.

What is the duration of the relief? Can it be permanent?

The duration of relief can be from hours to days, and generally increases with successive treatments. Pain relief can be permanent.

What age range benefits most from cranial manipulation?

The younger the patient, the more benefits he or she receives from cranial manipulation. The best results are found in patients in the first six months of life, followed by age six months to two years, age two to six, and age seven to 18. With each successive decade, a patient will usually need longer and more frequent treatments to achieve the desired results.

What is Dr. Henninger's success rate with cranialsacral therapy?

I just never dreamt I could witness the incredible success my patients have had. I have been honing the skill of palpation and sensing the craniosacral rhythm since 1997. I have learned from the best and continue to build my knowledge and palpation with every treatment I give. I have been fortunate to have such faith in craniosacral therapy and others have experienced it and given me an opportunity to gain vital experience only attained through working on hundreds of patient's healing processes. Without a doubt most patients are greatly improved or cured within six to eight visits.