Frequently
Asked
Questions

What is CranioSacral Therapy (CST) ?

CST is a gentle, non-invasive manual treatment approach that works with the natural self-correcting mechanisms of the body. It uses gentle placement of hands to assist the release of the body’s connective tissue or “fascia”. Fascia (Latin word for “band”) is a covering found throughout the body including in and around organs, glands, nerves, muscles, blood vessels, the brain and spinal cord. This covering forms a body-wide connective network. CST is based on the idea that the best method of correcting an imbalance is inherent within each of us. By searching for and then offering support to the source of imbalance, the body’s natural healing processes is enhanced.

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How is CST Performed?

A typical CST session is performed fully clothed on a comfortable padded table, or in a seated position. Through gentle touch, the therapist begins monitoring the central nervous system. Delicate manual techniques help to release restrictions in the body and head to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve over-all health and performance. The sessions are generally deeply relaxing, often creating feelings of gentle pulsation and warmth as tissues release.

Sessions are performed on a heated Amethyst Richway Biomat

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What does a typical course of treatment look like?

Although noticeable changes can appear within the first session, consider giving CranioSacral Therapy (CST) 3- 5 sessions to get to the source of the problem for long-term benefits.   I typically recommend the second session taking place 7 -10 days after the first. Time between treatments increases as your body begins to make repairs and self-corrections. I’ll support your healing journey with a home program of exercises and personalized recommendations to help optimize your body’s health.

CST can be a very effective part of a long- term health & wellness program. Preventative wellness sessions can help boost your immune system, support recovery from illness, optimize athletic performance and improve your over-all sense of wellbeing. 

The frequency of wellness sessions may vary from once a month to once every 2-3 months depending on the maintenance needs and desires of the individual.   Consider coming in for a Body Balancing session every change of season or after a particularly challenging time.

What types of conditions can you help treat?

  • Migraines and Headaches

  • Chronic Neck and Back Pain

  • Stress and Tension-Related Disorders

  • Motor-Coordination Impairments

  • Post-Concussion Symptoms

  • Autoimmune Disorders

  • Learning Disabilities, ADD / ADHD

  • Chronic Fatigue

  • Scoliosis

  • TMJ / Jaw Disorders

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Central Nervous System Disorders

  • Cancer Support  

  • Learning Differences, ADD, ADHD

  • Alzheimer’s

  • Post - Traumatic Stress Disorder

  • Orthopedic Problems

Some people come for help with conditions they have had for decades that have not responded to more traditional treatments.  Others come for a recent injury or to supplement other medical treatments they are currently receiving.  

Do I need a referral from by health care provider? 

As a licensed Physical Therapist in New York State, I can provide treatment for 10 sessions or 30 days (whichever comes first) before requiring a referral from your health care provider. Some insurance carriers may require a referral sooner. Please call your insurance provider directly to determine their policy.

Will insurance reimburse me? 

CranioSacral Therapy and Body Balancing can benefit a wide range of conditions. If you’re being seen for a physical therapy related issue and your insurance plan includes coverage for out of network providers, (PPO) there is a good chance that you will receive some reimbursement I am an out of network provider and require payment in full at the time of service. I can provide an itemized super bill for your treatment and for some insurance carriers I’m able to submit a claim directly to them on your behalf. Reimbursement is determined by your insurance carrier and pending approval will be sent directly to you.

Keep in mind your insurance may have specific guidelines for out-of-network providers such as separate deductibles. I recommend you contact your insurance carrier directly with specific questions.

I’m registered with the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare (CAQH) making it easy for your insurance company to access my up-to-date provider information.

Side effects and reactions to CST treatment:

Because CranioSacral Therapy uses very light touch, your body will generally only make the changes it is ready to make. Even with light touch the process can be powerful and occasionally CST produces temporary side effects. These tissue or healing reactions are typically minor and simply represent changes in your body’s old compensatory patterns. If something has been held in a tension pattern for many years, as you might imagine, it may be a little sore when changes are made.

So the general rule is: a slight temporary increase in symptoms can be a positive indicator of moving forward on the path towards health. Don’t hesitate to contact me with any post-treatment questions or concerns you may have.

What is SomatoEmotional Release Therapy and Tissue Memory?

SomatoEmotional Release (SER) is a therapeutic process used in CranioSacral Therapy that helps to release energy of past traumas that may be stored in the body. At times the body is unable to release the force of an injury so it tries to wall it off and isolate it , resulting in a tension pattern .

Usually the body accommodates to these tension patterns and we begin to feel better. Over time , however, this accommodation requires more and more extra energy which can result in chronic pain and other symptom.

Tissue memory is thought to play a role in SomatoEmotional Release. It is believed that body cells and tissues such as fascia, muscles, bones or viscera have the ability to retain memories of experienced trauma. Such trauma can be a sports injury, car accident, surgery, trauma in our relationships, post-traumatic stress etc. When for example a particular muscle group is injured during a physical trauma, a memory of the trauma may be stored in the affected tissues. This means that a small nonconscious contraction has formed in that particular muscle group as a protective reminder of the trauma. If tissue memory is not sufficiently released, the contraction will remain in the muscles even after the injury itself has healed, spreading tension to other parts of the body.

By using therapeutic imagery and gentle physical techniques CranioSacral Therapy may help gently facilitate the release of the body’s tension patterns.

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Thank you! I look forward to working with you!