Craniofacial Therapy

Craniofacial therapy(which is also called cranial osteopathy or craniosacral therapy)is used by physical therapists to treat injuries andchronic pain in the head, neck, face andtemporomandibular joint (TMJ) region. Craniofacial therapyutilizes muscle relaxation, muscle strengthening and joint stabilization techniques to increase mobility, reduce tension and alleviate pain in the affected areas. The treatment methodology was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger after many years of research and clinical testing at Michigan State University, where he worked as a professor of biomechanics.

Craniofacial therapy works to resolve imbalances in the fluid and membranes that surround the spinal cord and the brain, through the application of gentle hands-on massage methods. It is a beneficial type of treatment for many patients, but itis classified as an alternative therapy, and results may vary from one patient to the next. In addition, craniofacial therapy should be avoided outrightby patients with certain conditions, such as those who have suffered a serious brain or spinal cord injury, due to the fragile nature of this region of the body,and the potential risk ofworsening the patient’s condition.

Craniofacial therapy is a manual treatment process that involves specialized "tuning” or adjustment of the fascia, skull, cranial sutures and spine. A craniofacial therapy treatment program also typically includes an at-home regimen of specific exercises, which aim to modify behavior patterns that negatively impact the patient’s condition, injury or disease. Treatments are frequently provided based on a referral from a dentist, an ENT (ear-nose-throat) specialist or an orthopedist.Craniofacial therapy is a specialty area and treatments may be delivered by a physical therapist with a CCTT (Certified Cervical & Temporomandibular Therapist) credential in some physical therapy clinics.

Craniofacial therapy may be used by physical therapists to treat a wide range of conditions, including: back pain, eye pain, fibromyalgia, migraine headaches,seizures, scoliosis, neck pain, sinus pain, shoulder pain, orofacial pain, sleep apnea, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), temporomandibular joint syndrome (TMJ) and spinal disc herniation. Craniofacial therapy is also a common treatment for patients who are recovering from whiplash injuries.

Pleasecontact us if you would like more information about craniofacial therapy