CranioSacral Therapy and head injuries

An injury to the head or spine can leave a person incapacitated for months. Dizziness, nausea, inner ear/balance issues, brain fog, mental health issues, memory loss, headaches, the list goes on…. It can take years to recover from severe traumatic brain injuries. 

What is the cranio sacral system?

Your craniosacral system is comprised of:

• layers of soft tissue that surround and protect the brain

• nutrient-dense fluid that bathes your brain and spinal cord (called cerebrospinal fluid)

• the bones of your face and head and spinal cord

The craniosacral system is responsible for keeping your brain, and thus your nervous system, hydrated, nourished, and healthy. It is also thought to be vital to the body’s ability to heal itself. 

What happens in a brain injury?

When someone has an injury to the head or spine, like with a TBI or whiplash, it can cause restrictions and tension in the system, often in the area of the injury but not always. Occasionally the tension can be redistributed to other tissues within the system. The bones and tissues get compacted or stuck, preventing the cerebrospinal fluid from reaching all areas of the brain. Cerebrospinal fluid is responsible for delivering necessary nutrients, cleansing waste, and cushioning your nervous system. Without this vital fluid, your brain simply can’t function as well, much less heal the injured tissues. 

How does CranioSacral Therapy help?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) helps by relieving restrictions in the bones and membrane of the head and spinal cord, thus allowing cerebrospinal fluid to reach all the places it needs to. This helps your brain receive nutrients and eliminate waste products. CST also reduces inflammation in the brain, which reduces concussion symptoms. Finally, since it works directly with the nervous system, CST helps promote the body’s innate healing mechanisms, supporting your system to do the work itself for days if not weeks after treatment.