I have a quick question - I was talking to a developmental therapist this morning who is going to start working with Titus on fine motor skills and overall development since he's slightly behind. SHe mentioned cranial sacral therapy to me and asked if we'd ever considered it. Considered it? I've never even HEARD of it (and am not even sure I spelled it right). From her description, it sounds like TItus might be a good candidate, but I want to find out a LOT more about it before we jump into anything. Is there some basic information or resources you could suggest so that I can educate myself? Is it something you know about and have seen success with? We're already also doing feeding therapy once per week in addition to the developmental therapist starting next week once per week, so I want to be intelligent about what we add on next so that we don't overwhelm him. HOwever, if it will help, then we will be THRILLED. Any background or information you could provide would be extremely helpful. THanks!

Hey Anna -- I just found out the neighbor boy gets cranial sacral therapy. His mom and I were talking about whether he'd benefit from the Child Find program Daniel is in, and she mentioned he gets therapy four times a week, including cranial sacral therapy. Since I'd never heard of it, it seems really unlikely he could get that through APS. I'll ask her more about it next time I run into her.

Good Morning Anna:

It sounds like Titus is making some good progress. I am assuming your "therapist" is on staff with an early childhood intervention program? It does not sound like you are working with an OT or PT yet. I get protective over patients when I hear a so-called therapist is working on fine/gross motor skills and overall development. If this "therapist" is coming from an ECI program and if Titus' goals involve skills with motor planning, you should have a licensed OT or PT working with him. I'll get off my soap box now...lol!

Now I will answer your question about cranial sacral therapy. I am so glad you are asking good questions about it before jumping into it. I am a research based therapist. I use techniques I know are backed up by longitudinal studies or efficacy of treatment outcomes. Research research research to back up claims!
Cranial sacral therapy is one of those therapies that does not have much research at all to back up the claims. I recommend you do a full Google search and some reading. To be fair, I also tell my parents that all patients respond to therapies differently. Cranial sacral therapy is very expensive and not typically covered by insurance (because there is not research to back up the treatment outcomes). I do highly recommend that you look into CST and take Titus for an evaluation and 1-2 treatments. The problem you may or may not run into is the therapist may recommend a few treatments before you see any results. I have had a couple of patients respond positively to CST. I am recommending that you test the waters cautiously and see if Titus responds. It is absolutely worth trying, but please do not expect a totally different child from the outcome of this therapy. Titus is also busy doing feeding and motor therapy, so you really do not want to overwhelm him at such a young age. Here is some basic information on CST. Good luck and let me know what you think about CST if you decide to try it :)

CST was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger (http://www.upledger.com/clinic/bio_jeu.htm) following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.
CST is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system - comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
<LI class=regulartext>Migraine Headaches <LI class=regulartext>Chronic Neck and Back Pain <LI class=regulartext>Motor-Coordination Impairments <LI class=regulartext>Colic <LI class=regulartext>Autism <LI class=regulartext>Central Nervous System Disorders <LI class=regulartext>Orthopedic Problems <LI class=regulartext>Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries <LI class=regulartext>Scoliosis <LI class=regulartext>Infantile Disorders <LI class=regulartext>Learning Disabilities <LI class=regulartext>Chronic Fatigue <LI class=regulartext>Emotional Difficulties <LI class=regulartext>Stress and Tension-Related Problems <LI class=regulartext>Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders <LI class=regulartext>Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ) <LI class=regulartext>Neurovascular or Immune Disorders <LI class=regulartext>Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Surgical DysfunctionSER is a therapeutic process that uses and expands on the principles of CranioSacral Therapy to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma. SERI offers applications designed to enhance results using CST and other complementary therapies.
<LI class=regulartext>Assess and mobilize the Avenue of Expression working through more than 10 different body components, including the thoracic inlet, hard palate and hyoglossal tissues. <LI class=regulartext>Locate and release Energy Cysts. <LI class=regulartext>Release suppressed emotions that may be inhibiting complete structural releases. <LI class=regulartext>Refine listening and comprehension skills.
Improve palpation and whole-body evaluation skills.Robynne

Robynne,

Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I wasn't as specific about Titus' status as I probably should have been. He was under the care of a PT from March until AUgust for gross motor delay and has recently started feeding therapy at the same facility with an SLP. The provider offering the CST is a therapist with Early Intervention, and is a "developmental therapist," something I haven't quite figured out yet. However, since he was only slightly delayed with his fine motor skills, I felt like that level of intervention was probably suitable and they do look at development in a holistic sense, so I figured it is someone who can follow him as we have him in speech/feeding therapy somewhere else and make sure that he catches up systemically and nothing gets left behind. My understanding is that CST is offered through Early Intervention and at the same sliding-scale rates, so if that's the case, I'll definitely consider it as an option, especially while he's part of this program.

I appreciate your informed opinion of the therapy. It sounded a little "hokey" to me, and the research I've done so far hasn't encouraged me as far as the rigor with which the claims are supported. However, this whole past year and a half has been an exploration of things unknown for us as we figure out Titus' struggles and find solutions, so I'm open to just about anything, particularly if it doesn't put him at risk and is somewhat cost effective. :)

Again, thanks! I'll let you know how it goes if we give it a try!

Anna