Cranial Therapy

What is cranial therapy?

Cranial therapy, as a term in broad and common usage, encompasses a variety of treatment techniques involving the bones and/or superficial tissues (muscles, scalp, etc.) of the head (cranium). It is a manual therapy performed to improve function on many levels, including postural, neuromuscular, neurological and hormonal. The procedures treat the cranial bones individually or as a group to improve their mobility or position, resulting in global (total body) beneficial effects.

I’ve never heard of cranial therapy. Is it new?

Cranial therapy has been in use in the United States since the 1920’s. There is little mention of the medical use of cranial treatment prior to that. In the 20’s and 30’s American chiropractic and osteopathic physicians - notably Nephi Cottam, D.C., and William G. Sutherland, D.O. - began developing and using cranial techniques.

The cranial concepts and treatment techniques developed by Dr. Sutherland were being taught in many American Osteopathic colleges by the 1950’s. Most of the cranial techniques commonly in use today have their foundations in the concepts originally developed by Dr. Nephi Cottam, Dr. William G. Sutherland, and their contemporaries. Click here for a History of Cranial Therapy.

Who provides cranial therapy?

Cranial therapy is usually performed by licensed (or registered) healthcare providers. In most cases, the training in cranial therapy is additional education beyond the basic licensing requirements. With appropriate training, massage therapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, physical and occupational therapists, nurses, and other health care professionals can provide cranial therapy.

Is all cranial therapy the same?

No, there are a number of types of cranial therapy, with many different names. Cranial therapies are quite diverse in their objectives, treatment procedures, amount of pressure used, and whether they are energy oriented or structurally oriented.

Osteopathic cranial concepts view the cranial bones and the sacrum as a functioning unit (craniosacral mechanism). Their cranial procedures, called craniosacral therapy, include individual cranial bone mobilization, sutural releases and the correction of global cranial bone patterns (e.g., sphenobasilar patterns of flexion & extension, torsion, etc.).

Most chiropractic cranial concepts also acknowledge and accept the notion of a unified craniosacral mechanism. However, chiropractic cranial procedures are generally directed toward the treatment of a single bone or its sutures and are usually referred to as ‘cranial technique’. Treatment of sphenobasilar patterns is generally not taught in chiropractic workshops, with the exception of those presented by Hancock CranioSomatic Institute.

How does Hancock CranioSomatic Therapy differ from other cranial therapies?

CranioSomatic treatment approaches are structurally oriented with the objective of affecting not only the cranial components, but also the entire neuromusculoskeletal system.

CranioStructural Integration (CSI) is a unique protocol of cranial techniques developed by Dr. Hancock. CSI provides long-term cranial corrections that allow the body to achieve new levels of postural balance and musculoskeletal relaxation not attainable by the other therapies. These structural improvements can reduce or eliminate chronic trigger points, sciatic pain, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ and TMD), and many other difficult to treat problems. The unique structural approach of CSI also provides substantially greater ranges of motion (ROM) to all parts of the craniosacral mechanism. This increased ROM further enhances the benefits typically associated with craniosacral techniques. Improvement in the functioning of the hormonal system and the central and peripheral nervous systems facilitates desirable changes in other aspects of health, and also enhances the effectiveness of many other therapies. Click here for more about CranioStructural Integration.

Facilitated Pathways Intervention (FPI) is a protocol of innovative techniques developed by Flo Barber. It is a gentle and effective manual therapy - a physical treatment that reduces pain and improves mobility by releasing underlying neuromuscular tensions throughout the body. The concepts and techniques are unique, however, and not part of any other existing therapy. FPI is based on Ms. Barber’s exciting new findings, which identifies relationships between areas on the head and joints, muscles, and other soft tissue throughout the body.

Most rehabilitative and therapeutic modalities attempt to change the tissue by working directly on or with the joints, muscles and other soft tissues that are involved with the pain or mobility problem. FPI treatment is performed on a related area on the head, neck or collarbone (areas innervated by cranial nerves), and reduces tension in the problem area indirectly by affecting the nerves that have been perpetuating the tension and/or pain. FPI requires little effort by the patient, and is often very relaxing, so it can be effective even for patients with low energy levels. Click here for more about Facilitated Pathways Intervention.

Who teaches cranial techniques?

Training in cranial techniques is provided by several large organizations in both the osteopathic and chiropractic professions. There are numerous other sources of cranial therapy education, including massage and physical therapy schools, professional associations, continuing-education organizations and individuals.

Hancock CranioSomatic Institute currently provides three cranial educational programs. Click here for information: About CranioSomatic Workshops.

For additional information on some of the cranial organizations that provide educational programs, click here: Contemporary Cranial Organizations.

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