Cranial Sacral Therapy and Infants

Cranial Sacral Therapy and Infants

Most mothers have never heard of cranial sacral therapy (CST), so naturally, it is not something they think of when trying to help their newborn. CST is an incredibly gentle and safe physical therapy that works with the fascial system of the body, which is the connective tissue that connects the body as one unit.

Nearly every infant is born with some degree of a tension pattern, especially those who have had a fairly traumatic birth. This can contribute to challenges like torticollis (the head is turned to one side), plagiocephaly (flat spot on the back or side of the head), difficulty latching, colic and infant reflux.

CST helps release tension patterns, and therefore helps alleviate some of these common infant conditions. CST is particularly helpful with feeding challenges; it can help re-educate the tongue to have a proper suck-swallow-breath reflex, especially after tongue-tie revisions. Often, mothers will notice a difference in their child’s latch after the first treatment.

In general, CST helps babies feel more comfortable in their body, which can dramatically shift the temperament of the child and help assist the family dynamic to be more cohesive and peaceful. CST is so effective for infants that some Neonatal Intensive Care Units across the world are incorporating CST.

Erin Gattuso is a naturopathic doctor who specializes in Cranial Sacral Treatment for infants at Health By Choice Education and Research, located at 15 Market Sq., in Manheim. For more information, call 814-766-2182 or visit DrErinGattusoND.com.