Complimentary Care for Infants & Children Instructor: Nancy
Burke, CST, CMP December 14, 2012 Slide 2 Participants will gain an
appreciation for the role of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) in the
treatment of infants & children Participants will attain a
general understanding of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) as it relates
to the cerebral spinal system Participants will be able to
recognize 5 conditions where CST would be an effective
complimentary treatment with infants & children Participants
will be able to communicate to caregivers the benefits of CST for
infants & children 2 Slide 3 History of Craniosacral Therapy
(CST) How CST was developed How CST works My Journey My personal
story How CST works for me How I found Craniosacral Therapy My
training 3 Slide 4 How CST works for Infants & Children Issues
and Treatment Ages 0 - 2 Age 3 7 Ages 8 - Adolescent Case Studies
Reasons to Refer to Craniosacral Therapy 4 Slide 5 How CST was
developed: The Craniosacral System is a recently discovered
physiological system. William Sutherland, D.O. began investigation
in this field in the second decade of the twentieth century. At the
College of Osteopathic Medicine at Michigan State University in the
early 1970s a team of researchers began work under the premise that
cranial bones move. 5 Slide 6 Researchers studied fresh cranial
bone specimens, through the use of optical and electron microscopy
showing the existence of blood vessels, nerve fibers, collagen and
elastic fibers within cranial sutures. The mechanisms behind
cranial motion were studied focusing on the role of the dura mater
and the cerebrospinal fluid. The results from their research
influenced the therapeutic application of cranial techniques. Dr.
John Upledger was the primary developer of techniques for
evaluation and treatment. 6 Slide 7 How CST works: The use of
palpation is key to craniosacral therapy. Structures beneath the
skintheir form, movement and relationship to each otherare explored
through palpation. The craniosacral system possesses its own
physiological activity with all the characteristics of a
semi-closed hydraulic system formed by the dura mater membrane and
its contents. Membranes are given shape by the fluid pressure in
the system and the more rigid structures such as the cranial bones
and the spine. 7 Slide 8 Human Dural Membrane 8 Slide 9 In CST,
bones in the cranium and the spine are used as handles to release
the restrictions in the membrane system to allow the fluid to flow
properly. Functionally, the cranial system is related to the
central nervous system, the autonomic nervous system, the
neuromusculoskeletal system and the endocrine system. The systems
fluid intake is via the choroid plexus which allows passage of
fluid from the vascular system into the ventricular system of the
brain. 9 Slide 10 ANTERIOR Sacrococcygeal complex INFERIOR
POSTERIOR SUPERIOR Sagittal suture Foramen magnum 10 Slide 11 The
dural system is continuous down the spine to the coccyx. The dural
sleeves extend off what is known as the dural tube. Attached to
those sleeves is the connective tissue that then runs throughout
the body with many attachments to bone, muscle, viscera including
the cranium, brain, coccyx, dural sleeves, etc. This allows the
therapist to access the cranial system from any area of the body.
11 Slide 12 Dural Tube Continuity Sacrum Occiput 12 Slide 13 Skull
bones Sutures Cerebrospinal fluid Dural membrane (spinal region)
Semi-Closed Hydraulic System of the Cerebrospinal Fluid and Dural
Membrane Dural membrane 13 Slide 14 My personal story History of 2
car accidents as a young adult and a bike accident as an
adolescent. Experienced ongoing issues with my neck and chronic
headaches for years. Cranial work helped me heal from the neck pain
and the headaches virtually went away. 14 Slide 15 How I found
Craniosacral Therapy Introduced to Craniosacral Therapy while
working in a chiropractic office. The chiropractor provided CST as
a modality in her practice and I received CST as a patient. I found
the work so beneficial and interesting that I began to study
cranial workthat was about 21 years ago. 15 Slide 16 How CST works
for me CST is both relaxing and structurally precise. Assists the
body in finding its own innate balance on both a physical and an
emotional level. Cranial work moves through many levels, surface to
deep via the brain, dura, and the spinal cord. The focus and depth
of the work enables me to work on the layers of physical issues. 16
Slide 17 My training Advanced training at the Upledger Institute
over many years. Most recently, advanced training specifically in
pediatric CST with French osteopath Dr. Alain Gehin. Coursework,
seminars, and consultation in Pediatric CST with Benjamin Shield,
PhD. 17 Slide 18 Osteopathic perspective: We work with babies
because when we look at a child, we never know what or who they can
be. And when we look at an adult, we never know what or who they
could have been. 18 Slide 19 Newborns, infants and children present
special craniosacral system problems. Craniosacral Therapy with
infants and children: Utilizes simple and effective techniques o to
assist in normalizing the structure o balance the nervous system o
resolve possible birth experience related issues. 19 Slide 20 20
Delivery of posterior shoulder. Harry Oxorn, Human Labor &
Birth (Norwalk: Appleton & Lange, 1986) Slide 21 CST works to
aid in the prevention of numerous developmental sensory learning
structural emotional problems. 21 Slide 22 Under normal conditions,
the skull of the term fetus is truly a membranous sac filled with
cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid contributes an internal pressure to
this semi-closed system. The bony developments in the fetal and
infant skull may be thought of as hard places in the
membranecontributing to its shape and functional integrity. 22
Slide 23 23 As maturation occurs, the distances between these bony
hard places are reduced. o The ratio of flexible membranous cranial
vault to more rigid osseous cranial vault changes in favor of the
latter. As the newly delivered child develops, the character of the
cartilage, membrane and bone which comprise the cranial vault
undergoes considerable modification. Slide 24 24 Slide 25 Adult and
Fetal Skulls 25 Slide 26 26 The newborn skull is extremely
flexible. Therefore, the techniques for examination and treatment
of the newborn craniosacral system are quite different from those
applied to the adult. As the person develops from newborn to adult,
the techniques of craniosacral examination and treatment must be
gradually modified. Slide 27 27 In a newborn the occipital bone,
found at the base of the skull, is in four parts, which
functionally act as separate bones that are capable of moving in
relation to each other at the time of birth. THE OCCIPITAL BONE AT
BIRTH occipital squamous portion - felt at the back of the head
areas of growth cartilage - this allows for distortion between bony
segments during birth condylar parts - form joints with the first
neck vertebra foramen magnum - space for spinal cord to exit
cranium basal part (cannot be seen as inside skull) Slide 28
Craniosacral system motion in the newborn and infant is more
difficult to perceive than in the adult. The range and amplitude of
motion are much less in the newborn. The inherent energy which
drives the system also seems much less than in the adult. Moreover
the levers (cranial vault bones) are significantly smaller and the
movement of the membranous regions more subtle. 28 Slide 29 29
DISTORTION OF THE OCCIPITAL BONE Distortion of the four parts of
the occipital bone as a result of birth trauma Occipital squamous
portion has twisted and compressed on to the condylar parts
distortion of the space of foramen magnum area of compression or
distortion area of distortion and compression on to 1st neck
vertebra Tajinder K.Deoora, Healing through Cranial Osteopathy
(London: Francis Lincoln Ltd., 2003) Slide 30 30 Common
intraosseous distortions of the occiput Franklin Sills,
Craniosacral Biodynamics (Berkley: North Atlantic Books, 2004)
Slide 31 I believe that every newborn can benefit from an initial
cranial session upon birth. ~ Nancy Burke, CST 31 Slide 32 CST is
an extremely gentle process well suited for childrens sensitive
systems. For children, cranial work is an excellent compliment to
western medicine. CST can compliment treatment of many childhood
physical issues. 32 Slide 33 Compression of the occipital condyles:
A common problem found in preschool and grade school children. Can
be responsible for o hyperkinetic behavior o abnormal fears o
inability to concentrate. The temporal and occipitomastoid sutures:
Can be dysfunctional in children who have dyslexia. 33 Slide 34
Ages 0 2 Issues and Therapeutic Protocols There are a number of
issues CST can address in this age group including: o Colic o
Breast Feeding Problems o Birth Trauma o Birth Induction o Reflux o
C-Section o Digestive Issues o Recovery from Falls o Immune
Boosting, especially Post-Immunization o Forceps &
Vacuum-assisted Deliveries 34 Slide 35 Discomfort for babies often
presents in the digestive system. Digestive systems are still
evolving in babies younger than 4 months old. Natural for digestive
distress (also known as colic) to develop when the causative factor
for the distress has not been resolved. 35 Slide 36 36 Slide 37
Often work on the mother is done alongside the infant. Physical and
emotional well being is known to be connected between mother and
infant. A typical session may include work to the pelvis and sacral
area, visceral work to the digestive system, and cranial work. 37
Slide 38 Ages 3 7 Issues and Therapeutic Interventions Ear
infections, speech issues, immune boosting, and asthma are some of
the issues addressed in this age group. Specific protocols are used
for both asthma and ear infections. o Asthma: Includes structural
work, visceral techniques, acupressure, and cranial work. o Ear
infections: Structural work to encourage drainage, work on the
cranium and the ears. 38 Slide 39 39 Slide 40 Ages 8 Adolescent
Issues and Therapeutic Applications Orthodontics, sports injuries,
car accident traumas, anxiety, depression are some of the issues of
this age group. The bone structure in the cranium has finished most
of its growth by this age. After age seven children can be worked
with just like adults. 40 Slide 41 Orthodontic treatment: Headaches
and jaw issues can develop. A cranial session after each adjustment
is recommended to avoid any adverse reactions to the dental work.
Focus of CST is to bring the cranial system into balance and work
specifically on the cranium. o with dental work the bones of the
cranium can develop fixations and restriction patterns. 41 Slide 42
42 Schematic arrangement of occiput and sphenoid into the
sphenobasilar synchondrosis (SBS) strains described by William
Sutherland (A) A right-side bending rotation pattern. (B) A
right-torsion pattern. (C) A lateral strain, (D) A superior
vertical strain. Jane E. Carreiro, An Osteopathic Approach to
Children (London: Churchill Livingstone, 2003) Slide 43 Anxiety and
Depression: Can have physiological roots. CST can address the
physiological imbalances that may be present. o For example, a
compression in the L-5-S-1 area, the atlas occipital juncture, or
the sphenoid can contribute to physiological depression. 43 Slide
44 44 Slide 45 Name: Mary Age: 9 months Gender: Female
Race/Ethnicity: African-American, Yugoslavian, Puerto Rican,
Caucasian, Filipino Adopted; adoptive parents Caucasian Presenting
Problem(s): severe reflux, torticollis on the left side, increased
muscle tonus in both her arms and legs, and low tonus in her trunk.
Vision impairment, hypoxia, globally dispersed damage, coordination
issues and sensory issues, plagiocephaly, and seizures. 45 Slide 46
Name: Elise Age: 6 weeks Gender: Female Race/Ethnicity: Caucasian
Presenting Problem(s): History of heart surgery; paralyzed vocal
cord; suck, swallow & breath not coordinated; reflux; history
of collapsed lung. 46 Slide 47 Name: Andrew Age: 10 weeks Gender:
Male Race/Ethnicity: Caucasian; Czechoslovakian Presenting
Problem(s): Breast feeding difficulties; disorganized suck;
tongue-tie; muscle tension; fussy; little to no eye contact. 47
Slide 48 Symptoms experienced by babies and young people where CST
may be an appropriate referral are: Babies who are uncomfortable in
their bodies Babies who are crying a lot Sleep difficulties Eating
issues Ear infections Sinus and Breathing Problems Gastrointestinal
Disturbances Birth Trauma Headaches Torticollis Learning
difficulties 48 Slide 49 CST can be a wonderful compliment to
western medical treatment, helping clients regain their health and
well being. 49 Slide 50 Gehin, D.O., Alain. (2011). Pediatric
Seminar. Berkeley, CA. Shield, Benjamin, PhD. (2007). Pediatric
Craniosacral Therapy: Newborn through Age Two. Berkeley, CA.
Upledger, D.O., F.A.A.O., John E. (1987). Craniosacral Therapy 1
Study Guide. UI Publishing, Florida. Upledger, D.O., F.A.A.O., John
E. & Vredevoogd, M.F.A., Jon D. (1983). Craniosacral Therapy.
Eastland Press, Seattle. Upledger Institute & Clinic, Palm
Beach, Florida. 50
