Craniosacral therapy is a physical therapy technique, which is a massage method. It is done slowly and gently, using hands-on methods to evaluate and enhance the craniosacral system and its functioning. Craniosacral therapy is more like a healing therapy that has many benefits and positive elements in its offering.
Before knowing abouT craniosacral therapy, we should first try to know what the craniosacral system is.
Craniosacral system is the respiratory and cardiovascular system, but only physiological in nature. It helps in the creation of a physical environment, whereby the functioning of our spinal cord and brain is enhanced and developed. The cerebrospinal fluids and membranes of the craniosacral system protect our brain and spinal cord. Craniosacral therapy focuses on the bones present in our spinal column, head, the underlying structures and the sacrum. With the light and gentle touch employed during this physical therapy method, compressions and restrictions get released in the process.
Craniosacral therapy: How does it work?
After a functional capacity evaluation is done on a patient, the craniosacral therapy session is undertaken. The massage technique of craniosacral therapy seeps into a patient’s body and allows the healing process to take place. In this physical therapy method, a very soft and light touch is used to monitor the rhythm that is caused by the craniosacral system. Through craniosacral therapy, these rhythmic movements and their sources are pinpoint, whereby; the expert is able to detect the point of stress and obstruction in a patient’s body. Once the therapist is able to locate the area of stress and tension, he or she will help in the release of all the restrictions and natural movement in a patient’s body. This way, aches such as knee pain and back pain are cured.
Craniosacral therapy is known to treat conditions such as insomnia, poor sleep, colic, restlessness, ear infections and other childhood conditions. Since, this physical therapy method is a non-invasive and a gentle one; it can be used on babies, when they are asleep.
Benefits of craniosacral therapy
- Relieves chronic aches, such as, knee pain and back pain.
- Relieves migraine and headache.
- Relieves tension.
- Cures autism.
- Cures post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Relieves chronic fatigue.
- Cures emotional instability.
Is craniosacral therapy a safe physical therapy method?
Craniosacral therapy can only be safe if it is performed by a professional therapist and for the right conditions. As other physical therapy methods, craniosacral therapy also comes with few medical conditions and therefore, it is not recommendable, unless the functional capacity evaluation is done on a patient.
Always use a professional therapist, when undergoing craniosacral therapy. More and more, therapists are incorporating the techniques of craniosacral therapy in massages and other physical therapy sessions. Craniosacral therapy treatments are best performed in the physical therapy clinic.
Sports therapy is a part of physical therapy that focuses on issues related to injuries and aches, especially of athletes. Sports therapy helps in the rehabilitation of a patient and brings him or her back to occupational and functional fitness levels. The treatments and methods are all tailor made and customized, as per the requirements of a patient. It aims to relieve more than just a back pain or a knee pain and at the same time, has many beneficial elements that it renders to patients.
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Sports therapy is more of a massage aspect of a physical therapy session and it can be used post-performance, pre-performance, for rehabilitation or during a training session of an athlete. A sports therapy massage session is known to improve and enhance the performance of athletes. Sports therapy is provided only after an athlete has had a functional capacity evaluation, though a therapist knows where the negative points are and where he or she should apply focus, when performing the sports therapy massage.
Benefits of sports therapy massage session:
A sports therapy session has positive effects on both the mind and body of athletes. However, there might be some side effects, like, stiffness or tenderness of muscles, for at least a day, but at the end of the day, it is known as one of the safest sessions of physical therapy. The benefits include:
Increase in:
- Blood flow
- Flexibility of muscles
- ROM or range of motion in the joints
- Elimination of lactic acid
- Well-being
Decrease in:
- Injuries and their occurrences
- Muscle tension
- Recovery time during workout sessions
- Neurological excitability
- Muscle spasm
- Back pain, knee pain, etc.
Psychological effects of a sports therapy and massage session
A sports therapy and massage session has some psychological effects on a patient who is at the rehabilitation point. The physical therapy tools used during this sports massage session helps in the reduction of a patient’s anxiety. Feelings of relaxation are usually experienced during the session that lowers the level of anxiety in a person.
Physiological effects of a sports therapy and massage session
The physiological benefits that a patient can achieve through a sports therapy and massage session are many. Aches and pains, like back pain and knee pain, are reduced. The waste products and tension present in our muscles cause aches and pains and with the sports therapy massage session and the physical therapy techniques used during the session, all the aches and pains are reduced and endorphins from our body are released at the same time as well.
Our muscles get to relax during a sports therapy session and as a result, there is heat generation and circulation, along with the stimulation of mechanoreceptors that are capable of sensing pressure, tissue length, warmth and touch.
The bottom line is that a sports therapy session rejuvenates a person’s mind and body!
How Children Can Benefit From Pediatric Physical Therapy
Physical therapy, whether a sports therapy session or a carniosacral therapy session is rendered on adults, but physical therapy is also for children and it is called pediatric physical therapy. Children who are suffering from various illnesses and diseases, from Neuro-motor, non-congenital to congenital diseases are treated through a pediatric physical therapy technique and method. Even if, a child is experiencing severe health conditions, like development delays etc. they can be treated with the help of a pediatric physical therapy session.
What are the benefits of a pediatric physical therapy method?
A pediatric physical therapy session helps in the restoration, rehabilitation and improvement of movements in a child’s body, thereby, enhancing the quality of life of the concerning child. If children are treated and made to undergo pediatric physical therapy at the earliest stage of their illness or ailments, then they can get speedy results. Children suffering from cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism and others, find it difficult to cope with their lives. However, pediatric physical therapy can help in the improvement and enhancement of motor reflex control in a child, changing his or her life for good!
Benefits of pediatric physical therapy
Pediatric physical therapy aims at the removal of limitations and obstacles that are seen in the life of children suffering from certain ailments. Physical therapy conducted by a therapist but only after a thorough functional capacity evaluation is done, selects the right course of action. The treatments rendered through pediatric physical therapy, improve the daily life and activities of a child and helps in the reduction of obstacles that he or she faces. Pediatric physical therapy is also known to correct and cure neonatal complications too.
Children with prosthetics are also helped physiologically and psychologically, through physical therapy methods. They are taught and made to understand the requirement for prosthetics and in the process, the children are taught to live life like normal kids and all this is achieved via pediatric physical therapy.
Pediatric physical therapy is apt for the rehabilitation of children from different age groups. Children are witnessed to respond in a more effective and faster manner than adults, through physical therapy. Children who have fewer skills, abilities and capabilities than other children, because of complications during their birth, can experience positive development in a much faster manner through a proper pediatric physical therapy.
Self Myofascial Release Therapy and Back Pain Relief
In a fast paced life, with pressures, deadlines, hectic schedules and long hours of sitting in front of the computers, leaves us completely drained out at the end of the day. For working professionals, especially ones who work with computers, back pain is very common. Myofascial release therapy is a part of physical therapy methods that is known to cure back pain and other chronic aches. Through myofascial release therapy, our bodies’ soft tissues are massaged.
Fascia?
A thin layer of connective tissues is called fascia, which covers every organ in our body. Pressure and stretching in our muscles causes the fascia to stretch too. During a muscle injury, the fascia becomes tight and this signals out aches and pains to our body. Thus, when having back pain, myofacial release will help in reducing the back pain.
Myofascial release therapy can be done by a professional therapist or by oneself. If done by oneself, the process of myofascial release is called self myofascial release therapy or foam rolling. This is because; during this physical therapy technique foam rollers are used. One’s body weight is used during the massaging session with foam rollers in self myofascial release therapy session.
Equipment to use for self myofascial release therapy
- A foam roller is the most commonly used equipment for self myofascial release therapy. A foam roller is used on large muscles. It is dense and provides effective pressure on the muscle’s fascia, but not damaging or bruising the area in the process.
- Cup and release. It is a vacuum cup that provides effective myofascial release results to trigger points but with the least exertion.
- Exercising ball is another tool for myofascial release therapy, which is used in the same manner as rolling foam. However, it has a point that targets the areas, for example biceps.
- Body massager comes with adjustable foam balls fixed on a wooden pole. It is used just like rolling foam.
To cure back pain, with myofascial release therapy, especially; targeting the upper back area, you need to lie on your back. Your arms need to be crossed across your chest and head facing the floor, with knees bent. Your upper back has to be supported by roller foam. Raise your hips and then roll up and down on the roller foam. This way, the mid area of your back will be massaged. Maintain the pressure at the point, till the back pain is relieved.
You can visit a physical therapy clinic if you want a professional therapist to do the myofascial therapy on you, but it is the most effective physical therapy method, amongst the rest to combat back pain and other aches!
If your like me you have put off and put off and put off your fitness routine! When I finally get back to it inevitably I ask myself, "self...WHY DID YOU EVER STOP IN THE FIRST PLACE"!?!?
Then I have to deal with the soreness, the mental challenge and the habit development of my excersize regimen all over again!
I have decided not to do that anymore...and here's why.
I don't want the break from fitness to be so long that when I get going again...I HAVE A MEDICAL CONDITION! If you have found yourself with an underlying medical condition that you think is keeping you from a weight loss or fitness program...that's where physical therapy comes in.
Obesity is not a qualifying diagnosis for physical therapy, but many times there are conditions that are a result of obesity that are qualifying consitions for PT. Problems with feet, ankles, knees or hip pain could be underlying conditions that would qualify for physical therapy. Even balance problems will get you in the clinic.
The benefit to physical therapy as part of a weight loss and fitness program is the PROPER instruction to maximize your results without further injury or aggrivation to the condition. While in the care of a physical therapist you can be monitored in all sorts of ways (cardiac, blood pressure, range of motion, impact, etc.) ensuring the safest fitness program possible. The sense of safety and well being you will experience will allow you the freedom to focus on your results. You will be well on your way to a healthier you!
So, let's get back to it shall we??
Some say that Physical Therpy addresses the lower half of the body while Occupational Therapy addresses the upper half. Others say that PT works on gross motor coordination while OT works on fine motor.
Physical therapy focuses on big movements, it's generally true. Their goal is often to restore movement and mobility. They assess the ability to roll in bed, sit up, stand up, walk, maintain balance, etc. They use things like stretching and exercise, manipulations, electrical stimulation, heat, and cold to restore these movements.
Occupational Therapy focuses on restoring function. The idea is to help each person become as independent as they can possibly be. This starts with things like brushing teeth and getting dressed, self feeding, getting in and out of the tub, combing hair, or going to the bathroom. After that it extends to roles, jobs, hobbies, etc. OTs use many of the same mechanisms that PTs use to restore function - it's just the approach and the overall goal that might be different.
Most patients initially say that they want to be able to walk again. I ask them, "When you get to the door, how will you open it?"
Physical therapists are quite simply, experts in function and movement of the human body. These professionals are educated at a bachelor's degree or higher (many new and some older physical therapists (PT's) are educated at the doctorate level) and work closely with all other health care providers as part of the health care team.
A point of clarification is needed before I proceed. A person who has graduated from an accredited physical therapy school with a Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree is considered a doctor, but is in no way considered a physician. A Doctor of Physical Therapy has a different skill set than that of a Medical Doctor and prescribes treatments that are related to musculoskeletal and movement disorders. Whereas a medical doctor or physician would be concerned with the overall health of an individual it may be in their scope of practice, but not in their mastery of knowledge, to provide such treatments that would be provided by a doctor of physical therapy.
Myth 1: Physical therapists only work in hospitals.
Licensed physical therapists work in many different settings including but not limited to the following: hospitals, schools, fitness centers, on-site at businesses (including industrial, commercial transportation, office), home health, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and assisted living facilities, performing arts (ballet, dance studios, and even musicians), and with sports teams (amateur to professional).
Myth 2: Athletic trainers and chiropractors are the same as physical therapists.
Many people try to confuse the public to say that modalities such as electric stimulation, ultrasound, massage, and the application of hot packs and cold packs are physical therapy modalities and therefore they practice physical therapy. Unfortunately when PT's bill insurance companies they do not have codes that are specific to physical therapy other than their initial examination and re-examination codes. The fact that other healthcare providers can bill certain insurance companies for modality codes does not mean that they are practicing physical therapy. In fact in most states, to claim they are is against the law.
Myth 3: Chiropractors are the only healthcare providers who manipulate/adjust the spine.
Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine and physical therapists are also able to manipulate the spine. In some states physical therapists need a physician's permission to adjust the spine, but that is easily accomplished by a trained physical therapist and often requires nothing more than a phone call and a faxed prescription. Also a great deal of the available research done to date on the appropriateness of spinal manipulation/adjustment has been done by physical therapists.
Also despite many claims that spinal manipulation is safe, there are always risks associated with treating the spine. Technique and the practitioner performing the technique will have a big effect on the outcome. Be sure that the person who performs any treatment to that area knows what they are doing. If something doesn't feel right, trust your gut and run.
Myth 4: All physical therapy is the same.
Because of the large breadth of knowledge that physical therapists can posess, like any other profession, there will be differences in treatments provided, communication styles, and with outcomes. Many people will go from one accountant to another if they are dissatisfied, but still refuse to go see another physical therapist instead chalking it up to the thought of "physical therapy just doesn't work."
Myth 5: All people working as "physical therapists" in physicians offices that provide physical therapy are physical therapists.
The fact is that physicians can bill what is called "incident to" when billing insurance companies for physical therapy services. To that regard, they can hire anyone (and I mean anyone) to perform treatments under their "watchful" eye. Now the physicians worth your money will hire licensed physical therapists in their office, but not every physician does this especially when it is cheaper to hire someone that isn't licensed. Why would anyone want to go to physical therapy where it is not provided by a licensed physical therapist or assistant? Unfortunately if you don't ask, they won't tell.
Functional Capacity Evaluations or FCE'S are a fundamental component of many employer's safety programs. Work-site injuries negatively impact both production and profits. Physical therapy programs improve an employees function but how do you know if the employee is physically capable of retuning to work and back to their prior performance level?
Physicians, case managers or employers order an FCE as a means to transition an injured or post-surgical employee from disability to function and ultimately back to employment. Many Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists train extensively to provide Functional Capacity Evaluations as a part of the therapy programs offered. Rehabilitation through a structured and comprehensive industrial medicine program leads the injured worker through the therapeutic intervention and the FCE provides an analysis of reliable information about current functional status and future vocational performance expectations.
Prevent back injuries, knee injuries and ensure proper lifting techniques as your injured employees return to work. An FCE may be the missing link in your companies industrial medicine and safety program. Utilize FCE's as the tool to prevent back injuries, knee injuries and evaluate lifting techniques. Positively impact your bottom line and have a safer work environment.
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Does positive thinking affect your physical therapy program?
Henry Ford had a famous quote. He said "whether you think you can or think you can't...your right!"
So many times in recovery or treatment of illness or injury folks (I can use the term "folks" right?) just go through the motions. Some even talk negatively about what they are going through to family and friends. It's the "Oh pitiful me" syndrome.
I know, I have done it. When I want a little extra sympathy from my wife when I have a cold, I assure you...I lay it on thick!
The question is...are we delaying our own recovery? Does our attitude of mind and releasing of negative words create an atmosphere that is not conducive to healing and speedy recovery?
Lets look at some studies:
1. Researcher Sheldon Cohen, Ph.D. asked a volunteer group of 334 18- to 34-year olds how often they experienced happy or unhappy emotions. The volunteers then received nasal drops containing a common cold virus. People who reported feeling happier were less likely to catch a cold.
2. The March 2010 issue of Psychological Science, features Dr. Suzanne Segerstrom's study of 124 first-year law students. They completed questionnaires to determine how optimistic they felt. Each student received an injection that made skin bumps appear and become larger or smaller depending on her level of germ immunity. Highly optimistic students experienced higher immunity levels.
I could go on and on with examples. The evidence is overwhelming. The way you think determines your state and your state determines how effective your recovery and physical therapy program become.
Another way to positively effect your state is to change your words. Words create energy. When you say something you are releasing positive or negative energy. Could this energy be responsible for effecting the outcomes of situations in our lives? If so, could our words have an effect on the outcome of our physical therapy program?
Look at it like this:
Thoughts produce actions, actions produce habits, habits produce character and character produces destiny!
Your thinking AND speaking is very important! Think about it the next time you don't feel so well. Change your thoughts and words to produce a healthier atmosphere and see if you can change your circumstances!
Football season, a great display of goal setting.
Every down played is a goal to gain yardage, to get a first down, to...score a touchdown.
My son decided he wanted a mouth piece that had mean looking animal teeth on it. He wanted it to help him with his animal instinct on the football field. So I told him to set a goal. What could he accomplish that the reward would be the desired mouth piece? He set the goal that he would come in first place in the run they do twice a day at practice.
Now, he is pretty fast but there are a couple of kids that are more seasoned and faster than him...so he thought. It took him a few weeks but he worked until he reached his goal. He came in first and earned his new mouth piece.
He has now decided he wants some new high tech pads that protect his back or at least look really cool! So he set a goal BY HIMSELF to make 3 tackles in a single game before he can get the new gear. He has seen the value and joy that came from setting, stretching to reach and accomplishing his goals.
I tell you this little story because physical therapy is much like this. A physical therapist that is worth his or her salt will get the patient involved in goal setting. It greatly effects the progress and outcomes of the therapy.
When you get started you need to focus on what you would like the outcome to be with the guidance of your therapist. Physical therapists are expected to be able to establish realistic and achievable goals to guide their management of patients. To assist in setting appropriate goals, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) recommends that physical therapists identify the goals and objectives that the patient wants to achieve from the treatment. This recommendation calls for physical therapists to encourage active participation from their patients (and families), as appropriate, during the goal-setting process. Ideally, this collaboration starts at the initial examination.
As you see yourself reaching OR EXCEEDING (which is very common with patients who take this goal setting stuff seriously) your goals, you will get more excited about reaching the next goal. This will create a wonderfull momentum in your physical therapy program that will astound you. You will see how fast you are able to move through the entire process.
As you practice this in your therapy, you will see that it really is effective in every area of life. You truly can accomplish your hearts desires.
Go ahead...give it a shot!