What to Expect When Bringing Your Child for Craniosacral Therapy
Overview
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive, yet powerful treatment that is suitable for children.
It focuses on the craniosacral system, which includes the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, the fascia, and the cerebrospinal fluid. The aim is to release tension and support overall wellbeing.
Planning and preparation for bringing your child to a craniosacral therapy appointment
Sessions for children typically last between 45 - 60 minutes.
Children may lie on the treatment table, usually on their back, but I will always be flexible and work where your child feels most comfortable, whether that is on your lap, sitting on the treatment table, or playing on the floor.
It is helpful for your child to wear comfortable, loose clothing such as jogging bottoms, leggings, and a T-shirt.
Children are welcome to use fidget toys or sensory play toys during treatment, and I encourage you to bring any favourite toys that may help them feel more settled. I will also have a selection available.
During the treatment
I will ask about your child’s health history, birth, and any specific concerns you or your child may have. This helps the treatment to be tailored specifically to your child’s needs.
The treatment process
Your child will remain fully clothed and can stay wherever they feel most comfortable, whether that is on the treatment table, on your lap, or on the floor.
Breaks can be taken at any time, and this is completely fine.
I will use a gentle light touch, less than the weight of a 5-pence piece, to assess and identify areas of tension and restriction in the body.
Treatment response
The session is usually soothing, and many children feel calm, relaxed, and sometimes sleepy. Some children may also experience an emotional release and may feel upset or overwhelmed during treatment.
If this happens, the session can be paused, a break can be taken, or the appointment can finish earlier than planned. The treatment is always child-centred and paced around your child’s needs.
Rapport, trust, and safety building
At the start of the first session, and to some degree in all sessions, I will take time to build rapport with your child so that they feel safe, comfortable, and happy to receive treatment.
A parent or guardian must remain in the treatment room for the entire session.
Post-treatment expectations for children receiving craniosacral therapy
After craniosacral therapy, your child may experience a range of responses, including relaxation, an improved mood, or temporary discomfort as their body processes the treatment. Many children feel more at ease and calmer in the days following a session.
As with adults, the healing process is not always straightforward, and each child’s journey can vary depending on the length of time symptoms have been present and how severe those symptoms have been.
For some children, treatment may trigger a natural healing reaction. This can include a temporary aggravation of symptoms, tiredness, headaches, or emotional release. These responses would usually be expected to settle within 72 hours. If symptoms continue beyond this, please contact me.
Self-care following treatment for children receiving craniosacral therapy
After treatment, it is helpful to encourage hydration, a clean and healthy diet, rest or naps where needed, and gentle movement or gentle play.
Overview
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle, non-invasive, yet powerful treatment that is suitable for children.
It focuses on the craniosacral system, which includes the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, the fascia, and the cerebrospinal fluid. The aim is to release tension and support overall wellbeing.
Planning and preparation for bringing your child to a craniosacral therapy appointment
Sessions for children typically last between 45 - 60 minutes.
Children may lie on the treatment table, usually on their back, but I will always be flexible and work where your child feels most comfortable, whether that is on your lap, sitting on the treatment table, or playing on the floor.
It is helpful for your child to wear comfortable, loose clothing such as jogging bottoms, leggings, and a T-shirt.
Children are welcome to use fidget toys or sensory play toys during treatment, and I encourage you to bring any favourite toys that may help them feel more settled. I will also have a selection available.
During the treatment
I will ask about your child’s health history, birth, and any specific concerns you or your child may have. This helps the treatment to be tailored specifically to your child’s needs.
The treatment process
Your child will remain fully clothed and can stay wherever they feel most comfortable, whether that is on the treatment table, on your lap, or on the floor.
Breaks can be taken at any time, and this is completely fine.
I will use a gentle light touch, less than the weight of a 5-pence piece, to assess and identify areas of tension and restriction in the body.
Treatment response
The session is usually soothing, and many children feel calm, relaxed, and sometimes sleepy. Some children may also experience an emotional release and may feel upset or overwhelmed during treatment.
If this happens, the session can be paused, a break can be taken, or the appointment can finish earlier than planned. The treatment is always child-centred and paced around your child’s needs.
Rapport, trust, and safety building
At the start of the first session, and to some degree in all sessions, I will take time to build rapport with your child so that they feel safe, comfortable, and happy to receive treatment.
A parent or guardian must remain in the treatment room for the entire session.
Post-treatment expectations for children receiving craniosacral therapy
After craniosacral therapy, your child may experience a range of responses, including relaxation, an improved mood, or temporary discomfort as their body processes the treatment. Many children feel more at ease and calmer in the days following a session.
As with adults, the healing process is not always straightforward, and each child’s journey can vary depending on the length of time symptoms have been present and how severe those symptoms have been.
For some children, treatment may trigger a natural healing reaction. This can include a temporary aggravation of symptoms, tiredness, headaches, or emotional release. These responses would usually be expected to settle within 72 hours. If symptoms continue beyond this, please contact me.
Self-care following treatment for children receiving craniosacral therapy
After treatment, it is helpful to encourage hydration, a clean and healthy diet, rest or naps where needed, and gentle movement or gentle play.
