A Longitudinal, Observational, and Descriptive Study About Benefits of Craniosacral Therapy in Child Neurodevelopment.

INTRODUCTION: Coordination and balance are progressive motor skills that guide physical therapists in recognizing abnormal patterns during childish neurodevelopment. We aim to compare the efficacy of craniosacral therapy (CST) together with balance and coordination therapy (BCT) vs traditional BCT during neurodevelopment. METHODS: Longitudinal, observational, and descriptive study with 111 apparently healthy children divided into 4 groups: craniosacral-balance and coordination therapy placebo (CS-BCTp), craniosacral-balance and coordination therapy (CS-BCT), balance and coordination therapy placebo (BCTp), and balance and coordination therapy (BCT). RESULTS: Significant changes have been observed with the CS-BCT from the fourth session. Balance and coordination therapy is less effective. There are differences in the Battelle Scale at the beginning and after the 7 therapy sessions in the CS-BCT group. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows that CST together with balance and coordination exercises can be a more effective and faster treatment to improve these motor skills, correcting and improving alterations during child neurodevelopment.

Rethinking the Origin of the Primary Respiratory Mechanism.

Spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS) is the joint regarded as the most important foundation for understanding cranial osteopathy and craniosacral therapy. SOS is the origin of the primary respiratory mechanism (PRM), a movement between the posterior surface of the body of the sphenoid bone and the anterior surface of the base of the occipital bone. From the PRM perspective, an alteration of the position between the two bone surfaces would create cranial and/or craniosacral dysfunction. These positional alterations of the SOS (in adults and children) would determine specific and schematical movements of the bones of the entire skull, whose movements are recognizable by palpation by trained operators. PRM expression is influenced by other elements, such as movement of the cranial bones, inherent movement of the central nervous system, cyclic movement of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), mechanical tension of the cranial meninges, and passive movement of the sacral bone between the iliac bones. The article reviews the most up-to-date information on the evolution of cranial sutures/joints and meninges in adulthood, the fluctuations of the CSF, brain, and spinal mass movements. Research should reconsider the motivations that induce the operator to discriminate the palpable cranial rhythmic impulse, and probably, to rethink new cranial dysfunctional patterns.

Management of Post-Viral Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome With Craniosacral Therapy.

Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a rare disorder of the autonomic nervous system. The number of people afflicted with this dysautonomia has increased dramatically in recent years due to the long-term effects of coronavirus disease (COVID-19); however, it is largely underdiagnosed. This case report is about a patient with post-viral neuropathic POTS. Neuropathic POTS is believed to be due to the damage of small nerve fibers that regulate the constriction of the blood vessels in the limb and abdomen, which leads to interference with vasoconstriction, and therefore causes tachycardia. Current literature emphasizes a treatment that is based on lifestyle modifications, such as increasing water and salt intake, and symptomatic pharmacological treatment. In this case, the 39-year-old male ptient was treated with osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), specifically the compression of the fourth ventricle (CV4), which has been associated with the production of hyperparasympathetic and anti-inflammatory effects and, hence, helps overcome the small-fiber neuropathy caused by the viral illness. We found that the CV4 technique led to the successful remission of the patient's symptoms. Therefore, we propose craniosacral therapy as a successful single management modality in patients with POTS.

Treatment of infant colic with craniosacral therapy. A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the number of craniosacral therapy sessions that can be helpful to obtain a resolution of the symptoms of infantile colic and to observe if there are any differences in the evolution obtained by the groups that received a different number of Craniosacral Therapy sessions at 24 days of treatment, compared with the control group which did not received any treatment. METHODS: Fifty-eight infants with colic were randomized into two groups of which 29 babies in the control group received no treatment and those in the experimental group received 1-3 sessions of craniosacral therapy (CST) until symptoms were resolved. Evaluations were performed until day 24 of the study. In this study crying hours served as primary outcome. The secondary outcome were the hours of sleep and the severity, measured by an Infantile Colic Severity Questionnaire (ICSQ). RESULTS: Significant statistical differences were observed in favor of experimental group compared to the control group on day 24 in crying hours (mean difference = 2.94, at 95 %CI = 2.30-3.58; p < 0.001) primary outcome, and also in hours of sleep (mean difference = 2.80; at 95 %CI = - 3.85 to - 1.73; p < 0.001) and colic severity (mean difference = 17.24; at 95 %CI = 14.42-20.05; p < 0.001) secondary outcomes. Also, the differences between the groups ≤ 2 CST sessions (n = 19), 3 CST sessions (n = 10) and control (n = 25) were statistically significant on day 24 of the treatment for crying, sleep and colic severity outcomes (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Babies with infantile colic may obtain a complete resolution of symptoms on day 24 by receiving 2 or 3 CST sessions compared to the control group, which did not receive any treatment.

Effects of CranioSacral therapy upon symptoms of post-acute concussion and Post-Concussion Syndrome: A pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the utilization of CranioSacral Therapy (CST) in patients with Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) and capture patient-reported perceptions of clinical outcomes of lived treatment experiences. DESIGN: Two-part, longitudinal study conducted through a chart review of target group, followed by a Patient-reported Treatment Outcome Survey (PTOS). PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 212 patients with a historical incidence of head trauma not requiring hospitalization was obtained through medical records department dating back ten years. Inclusion criteria for further chart review (n = 67) was determined by identifying patients with a confirmed concussion directly correlated with presenting symptoms and for which CST was specifically sought as a treatment option. Demographics and patient-determined treatment duration data were analyzed by comparison groups extensively suggested in existing literature: Recovery time since injury as either Post-acute concussion (<6 months) or Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS) (≥6 months); Athletes (A) or Non-athletes (NA); and traditional gender. Final PTOS group criteria was determined by eliminating confounding issues reporting (n = 47): (A, n = 24 and NA, n = 23). RESULTS: Quantitative data was analyzed via Numerical Analysis, and qualitative data was analyzed via Inductive Content Analysis. Symptoms reported in all charts as well as in the PTOS were consistent with identified PCS subtypes. Utilization of CST revealed that most patients determined the treatment effect upon concussion symptoms within 1-3 sessions. Nearly twice as many sessions were attended in the PCS than post-acute groups. Referral sources, studied for a perspective on local concussion after-care discharge planning, ranged from professional to personal recommendation or self-discovery. A majority of patients met goals of reducing post-acute or PCS as reasons cited by self-determined change-in-status or discharge from service. Patients were asked to indicate on the PTOS which pre- and post-treatment symptoms were helped or not helped by this particular intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Patient-reported changes of PCS symptoms is critical when evaluating treatment options. CST is an experiential treatment that addresses subjective levels of dysfunction, thus it is the patient deciding the value of an intervention. A sizable portion of patients in all groups reported a positive effect upon their symptoms by CST. Patients indicated personal meaning to CST through their utilization of multiple sessions. A high percentage indicated the likelihood of referring others with PCS for CST. Of the 212 patient charts first studied, the 145 not meeting inclusion criteria suggest some chronic conditions may present as long-term effects of older head injuries. CST is a low-risk, conservative treatment option for PCS sub-types worthy of further clinical study.

Craniosacral Therapy Use in Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus.

Nearly 700,000 adults in the US have normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), but it is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. In fact, a small percentage of people with the disease are properly diagnosed. NPH presents classically with a triad of symptoms: ataxic gait, dementia, and urinary incontinence. Diagnosis and treatment are provided together through a lumbar puncture. However, the only effective treatment that exists is a shunt insertion, which is a highly invasive procedure with uncertain responsiveness. As NPH is primarily diagnosed in those in advanced ages (60s and 70s), adjunctive treatment modalities should be further studied. Here we present a case of a patient diagnosed by a neurosurgeon and neurologist with NPH and a candidate for a shunt insertion whose symptoms substantially improved with one month of osteopathic manipulative treatment. Osteopathic considerations and literature are also reviewed in the broader context of craniosacral treatment.

Osteopathic Palpation of the Heart.

In the panorama of scientific literature, there is a paucity of literature on how to palpate the heart area in the osteopathic setting and relevant indications on which palpatory sensations the clinician should perceive during the evaluation. The article reviews the fascial anatomy of the heart area and the heart movements derived from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies and describes the landmarks used by the cardiac surgeon to visualize the mediastinal area. The text sets out possible suggestions for a more adequate osteopathic palpatory evaluation and describes any tactile sensations arising from the patient's chest. To the knowledge of the authors, this is the first article that seeks to lay solid foundations for the improvement of osteopathic manual medicine in the cardiology field.

The use and benefits of Craniosacral Therapy in primary health care: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Patients frequently use treatments complementary to standard primary care. This prospective cohort-study examined the use, benefits, and safety of Craniosacral Therapy (CST). METHODS: Consecutive out-patients utilizing CST from 2015 to 2019 were asked to provide anonymized data on symptom intensity, functional disability, and quality of life before and after treatment using an adapted 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS) version of the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile (MYMOP). Treatment expectations were assessed as were concurrent therapies/medication and safety. Mean differences were analyzed using paired sample t-tests with 95 % confidence intervals (CI), predictors of treatment response using linear regression modelling. RESULTS: CST therapists submitted 220 patient records (71.4 % female) including 15.5 % infants and toddlers, 7.7 % children, and 76.8 % adolescents and adults. Patients received on average 7.0 ± 7.3 CST sessions to treat 114 different, acute and chronic conditions. Symptom intensity significantly decreased by -4.38 NRS (95 %CI=-4.69/-4.07), disability by -4.41 NRS (95 %CI=-4.78/-4.05), and quality of life improved by 2.94 NRS (95 %CI = 2.62/3.27). Furthermore, CST enhanced personal resources by 3.10 NRS (95 %CI = 1.99/4.21). Independent positive predictors of change in the adapted total MYMOP score included patients' expectations (p = .001) and therapists' CST experience (p = .013), negative predictors were symptom duration (p < .002) and patient age (p = .021); a final categorical predictor was CST type (p = .023). Minor but no serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: In primary care, patients and parents of underage children use CST for preventive and therapeutic purposes. Considering the design limitations, CST appears to be overall effective and safe in infants, children, and adults.

Case report: Manual therapies promote resolution of persistent post-concussion symptoms in a 24-year-old athlete.

This case report illustrates the treatment outcomes of a collegiate athlete presenting with an 18-month history of post-concussion syndrome who received a series of mixed manual therapies in isolation of other therapy. Persistent symptoms were self-reported as debilitating, contributing to self-removal from participation in school, work, and leisure activities. Patient and parent interviews captured the history of multiple concussions and other sports-related injuries. Neurological screening and activities of daily living were baseline measured. Post-Concussion Symptom Checklist and Headache Impact Test-6™ were utilized to track symptom severity. Treatments applied included craniosacral therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, and glymphatic techniques. Eleven treatment sessions were administered over 3 months. Results indicated restoration of oxygen saturation, normalized pupil reactivity, and satisfactory sleep. Post-concussion syndrome symptom severity was reduced by 87% as reflected by accumulative Post-Concussion Symptom Checklist scores. Relief from chronic headaches was achieved, reflected by Headache Impact Test-6 scores. Restoration of mood and quality of life were reported. A 6-month follow-up revealed symptoms remained abated with full re-engagement of daily activities. The author hypothesized that post-concussion syndrome symptoms were related to compression of craniosacral system structures and lymphatic fluid stagnation that contributed to head pressure pain, severe sleep deprivation, and multiple neurological and psychological symptoms. Positive outcomes over a relatively short period of time without adverse effects suggest these therapies may offer viable options for the treatment of post-concussion syndrome.

Análise da terapia craniossacral na disfunção temporomandibular associada a cefaleia tensional / Analysis of craniosacral therapy in temporomandibular dysfunction associated with tensional headache

Resumo Introdução Ocorrendo de forma branda e não invasiva, a terapia craniossacral é uma técnica de manipulação na qual o terapeuta exerce leve pressão sobre estrutura óssea, sendo utilizada como tratamento para diversos problemas de saúde, como cefaleias e DTM. Objetivo Analisar os efeitos da terapia craniossacral em indivíduos com disfunção temporomandibular associada a cefaleia do tipo tensional. Material e método Estudo descritivo, intervencionista com abordagem quantitativa, realizado no núcleo de atenção médica integrado, no período de fevereiro a setembro de 2018. Foram inclusos no estudo indivíduos com disfunção temporomandibular e que apresentaram cefaleia dentre os sintomas. Foram exclusos aqueles que não compareceram ao atendimento ou não apresentaram a sintomatologia. Previamente, foi realizada uma avaliação para identificar a dor na crise de cefaleia, a mensuração da amplitude de movimento mandibular e a palpação dos músculos da mastigação, para classificar a dor em leve, moderada ou forte. Após oito atendimentos, sendo duas vezes por semana com duração de 15 minutos cada, todos foram reavaliados. Resultado Participaram do estudo 31 indivíduos, sendo 90,3% do sexo feminino. Na classificação do RDC/TMD, houve prevalência dos grupos G1 e G1G3. Quanto a mobilidade mandibular, houve ganho para os movimentos de abertura, com 45,6 mm (±7,5) antes da terapia e, na reavaliação, 47,4 mm (±8,4); desvios laterais antes da terapia (lado direito - 7,0 ±2,8) e (lado esquerdo - 7,7±3,0), e após a terapia (8,0±3,0) e (8,6±2,9), respectivamente; o movimento de protusão, antes com média 5,03 ±2,5 e, na reavaliação, com 4,8 ±1,9. Na palpação muscular, destacamos redução do quadro álgico no músculo pterigoideo medial com média 2,2 (±1,05) antes da terapia e 1,5 (±1,02) após a terapia. Conclusão Concluímos que a terapia se mostrou eficaz no tratamento de pacientes com disfunção temporomandibular associada a cefaleia do tipo tensional.

Abstract Introduction Occurring in a mild and non-invasive way, craniosacra therapy is a manipulation technique that the therapist exerts light pressure on the bone structure, being used as a treatment for several health problems, such as headaches and TMD. Objective To analyze the effects of craniosacra therapy in individuals with temporomandibular disorders associated with tension-type headache. Material and method Descriptive, interventional study with a quantitative approach, carried out in the integrated medical care center from February to September 2018. Individuals with temporomandibular disorder and who presented headache among the symptoms were included in the study. And those who did not attend the service or did not present symptoms were excluded. Previously, an assessment was carried out to identify pain during headache attacks, measurement of mandibular range of motion and palpation of mastication muscles, to quantify pain as mild, moderate and severe. After 8 consultations, twice a week lasting 15 minutes each, all were reassessed. Result 31 individuals participated in the study, being 90.3% female. In the classification of the RDC/TMD, there was a prevalence of groups G1 and G1G3. Regarding mandibular mobility, there was a gain for opening movements with 45.6mm (±7.5) before therapy and 47.4mm (±8.4) in the reassessment; lateral deviations before therapy (right side - 7.0 ±2.8) and (left side - 7.7±3.0) and after (8.0±3.0) and (8.6±2.9); and the protrusion movement before with an average of 5.03 ± 2.5 and in the reassessment with 4.8 ± 1.9. And in muscle palpation, we highlight a reduction in pain in the medial pterygoid muscle with a mean of 2.2 (±1.05) before therapy and 1.5 (±1.02) after. Conclusion We conclude that the therapy has been shown to be effective in treating patients with temporomandibular disorders associated with tension-type headache.

Comparative study of muscle energy technique, craniosacral therapy, and sensorimotor training effects on postural control in patients with nonspecific chronic low back pain.

BACKGROUND: Malalignment in the pelvic and spinal column disturbs the balance and decreases the postural control ability. Malalignment is known as one of the main causes of back pain particularly the nonspecific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP). The aim of the study is to compare the effect of muscle energy technique (MET), craniosacral therapy (CST), and sensorimotor training (SMT) on postural control in patients with NSCLBP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized clinical trial study, 45 NSCLBP patients were accidentally allocated in three groups including CST (n = 15), MET (n = 15), and SMT (n = 15). Clinical interventions including CST, MET, and SMT were performed in 10 sessions in 5 weeks (2 sessions per week). The parameters of center of pressure (COP) were assessed in 8 positions such as standing position on double or single leg with open or closed eyes or half squat position on double or single leg with open or closed eyes. RESULTS: The results of this study showed that all three methods of CST, MET, and SMT are effective in postural control in patients with NSCLBP, although it seems that CST is effective on more balance factors. CST has a greater effect on balance in standing position on a single leg with closed eye. It was also found that the effect of CST was continuous after follow-up. CONCLUSION: Moreover, MET and SMT methods were effective in balance control in NSCLBP patients and postural control was more affected by CST.

Combining psychotherapy with craniosacral therapy for severe traumatized patients: A qualitative study from an outpatient clinic in Norway.

BACKGROUND: Craniosacral therapy (CST) is an established complementary modality for several health complaints. A clinic for psychosomatics in Norway has included CST into a multimodal treatment approach for severely traumatized patients. The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the indications for the use of craniosacral therapy within trauma therapy. Specifically, to explore treatment philosophy, criteria for improvement, treatment aims, and the evaluation of the risk profile of the multimodal treatment approach. METHODS: Semi-structured individual interviews (n = 8) and one focus group interview were conducted with the therapists at the Clinic for Psychosomatics, Hospital of Southern Norway, Kristiansand, Norway. The text data were transcribed verbatim, and the analysis of the material was conducted according to conventional and direct content analysis. RESULTS: The therapists at the clinic applied a holistic treatment approach, based on their understanding of mind and body as one entity. To access emotions and traumata, they used a mixture of different treatment techniques. The therapists experienced patients with severe bodily symptoms as being less cognitively present and attributed this to the symptoms craving most mental resources. The craniosacral therapists' specific aims and task within the multimodal trauma therapy was to ease these physical complaints, so that cognitive and emotional resources could be utilized for therapy. The psychotherapists found that emotions and traumata were more accessible after CST. The general treatment goals were to increase symptom tolerance levels and to enable better self-care. Furthermore, the ability to transform negative behaviors and develop positive alternatives were considered to be signs of improvement. CONCLUSION: The study participants considered that patients with complex traumas, including post-traumatic stress disorder, seemed to benefit from this multimodal treatment approach and appreciated its' holistic treatment philosophy, including craniosacral therapy. With regard to patient safety, the study participants recommended that craniosacral therapy for severely traumatized patients should only be provided in cooperation with psychotherapists, or other highly qualified health personnel working in specialized institutions.

Effectiveness of craniosacral therapy in the treatment of infantile colic. A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the effectiveness of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) for the treatment of infantile colic. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 58 infants, aged 0-84 days, diagnosed with infantile colic. The babies received a 30-40 minute CST session once a week (experimental group) or no treatment (control group). Babies in the CST group received either 1, 2 or 3 CST sessions over a 14-day period. Data were collected at 4 different times over the 24-day period, day 0 (baseline), day 7, day 14 and day 24. Crying (primary outcome) and sleep (secondary outcome) were evaluated using a crying and sleep diary, and colic severity was measured using the Infant Colic Severity Questionnaire (secondary outcome). RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference between groups (CST and control) in crying hours (F = 188.47; p < 0.0005; η2 = 0.78), sleep hours (F = 61.20; p < 0.0005, η2 = 0.54) and colic severity (F = 143.74; p < 0.0005, η2 = 0.73) across all the time points. In comparison with the control group, CST babies reported significant and clinically relevant effects in crying hours on day 7 (-2.47 h (95%CI, -2.95 to -1.99); p < 0.0005; d = 1.73), on day 14 (-3.29 h (95%CI, -3.7 to -2.8); p < 0.0005; d = 2.87) and on day 24 (-3.20 h (95%CI, -3.7 to -2.6); p < 0.0005; d = 2.54); in sleep hours on day 7 (-2.47 h (95%CI, -2.95 to -1.99); p < 0.0005; d = 1.73) on day 14 (-3.29 h (95%CI, -3.7 to -2.8); p < 0.0005; d = 2.87) and on day 24 (-3.20 h (95%CI, -3.7 to -2.6); p < 0.0005; d = 2.54). CONCLUSIONS: Craniosacral therapy appears to be effective and safe for infantile colic by reducing the number of crying hours, the colic severity and increasing the total hours of sleep.

Craniosacral therapy for chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: To systematically assess the evidence of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) for the treatment of chronic pain. METHODS: PubMed, Central, Scopus, PsycInfo and Cinahl were searched up to August 2018. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of CST in chronic pain patients were eligible. Standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for pain intensity and functional disability (primary outcomes) using Hedges' correction for small samples. Secondary outcomes included physical/mental quality of life, global improvement, and safety. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool. RESULTS: Ten RCTs of 681 patients with neck and back pain, migraine, headache, fibromyalgia, epicondylitis, and pelvic girdle pain were included. CST showed greater post intervention effects on: pain intensity (SMD = -0.32, 95%CI = [- 0.61,-0.02]) and disability (SMD = -0.58, 95%CI = [- 0.92,-0.24]) compared to treatment as usual; on pain intensity (SMD = -0.63, 95%CI = [- 0.90,-0.37]) and disability (SMD = -0.54, 95%CI = [- 0.81,-0.28]) compared to manual/non-manual sham; and on pain intensity (SMD = -0.53, 95%CI = [- 0.89,-0.16]) and disability (SMD = -0.58, 95%CI = [- 0.95,-0.21]) compared to active manual treatments. At six months, CST showed greater effects on pain intensity (SMD = -0.59, 95%CI = [- 0.99,-0.19]) and disability (SMD = -0.53, 95%CI = [- 0.87,-0.19]) versus sham. Secondary outcomes were all significantly more improved in CST patients than in other groups, except for six-month mental quality of life versus sham. Sensitivity analyses revealed robust effects of CST against most risk of bias domains. Five of the 10 RCTs reported safety data. No serious adverse events occurred. Minor adverse events were equally distributed between the groups. DISCUSSION: In patients with chronic pain, this meta-analysis suggests significant and robust effects of CST on pain and function lasting up to six months. More RCTs strictly following CONSORT are needed to further corroborate the effects and safety of CST on chronic pain. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION AT PROSPERO: CRD42018111975.

CranioSacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation: A New Treatment Intervention for Concussion Recovery.

Background: Military service members and veterans face health issues related to traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially during combat, use of heavy equipment, and exposures to environmental hazards and explosives. There were 400,000 TBIs reported in deployed U.S. troops in 2012. Athletes are also subject to TBI. Studies have indicated that some manual therapies could be helpful for treating patients who have post-concussive syndrome. Objective: This case series report describes the effects of CranioSacral Therapy (CST), Visceral Manipulation (VM), and Neural Manipulation (NM) modalities for treating patients who have post-concussion syndrome. The goal of this study was to evaluate these effects on immobility, pain intensity, quality of life, sleep disorders, and cognition in these patients. Materials and Methods: This single-blinded case series was conducted at the Upledger Institute, in West Palm Beach, FL. The patients were 11 male retired professional football players from the National Football League and the Canadian Football League who had been medically diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. Each participant received a morning and afternoon 2-hour session of these three specific manual therapies, which were capable of accessing and addressing the structural, vascular, and neurologic tissues of the cranium and brain-as well addressing far-reaching ramifications throughout the body following trauma. The main outcome measures were scores on the: Impact Neurocognitive Test; Dynavisiontm Test; Short Form-36 Quality of Life Survey, Headache Impact Test, Dizziness Handicap Inventory; a numeric pain rating scale; orthopedic range of motion tests (ROM); and vestibular testing. Hours of sleep were also checked. These outcome measures were registered at baseline, after treatment, and after a 3-month follow up. Results: Statistically significant differences were seen with a decrease in overall pain rating scale scores (P = 0.0448), and cervicogenic pain levels decreased (P = 0.0486). There were statistically significant increases in Dynavision Average Reaction Time (P = 0.0332), Memory Test (P = 0.0156) scores, and cervical ROM scores (P = 0.0377). Hours of sleep averaged 2 hours on the first day of treatment and increased to 4.0 hours at the end of treatment and were continuing to increase, as noted at a 3-month evaluation. Conclusions: Ten sessions of specific CST/VM/NM therapy resulted in statistically greater improvements in pain intensity, ROM, memory, cognition, and sleep in concussed patients.

The use of CranioSacral therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders: Benefits from the viewpoints of parents, clients, and therapists.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this preliminary study were to explore: the use of CranioSacral Therapy for persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder, the demographics of participants, and the retrospective interpretation of reported changes related to the intervention. Participants included therapists, parents, and clients. METHODS: Recruitment of participants was conducted through electronic social and professional networks. Online questionnaire surveys were provided. Demographic questions were posed to understand both the extent of clinical use and the rationales for such treatment, and surveys were unique to each subject groups. All participants were given a 20-item functional behavior checklist as a means to measure their perception of change attributed to this intervention. Open-ended comments were also encouraged to explore perspectives from their experiential treatments. The Qualitative data collected was analyzed via Inductive Content Analysis. The data was stored on excel and analyzed manually and independently by all 3 authors. RESULTS: A total of 405 people responded to the recruitments and of the participants who completed surveys, 264 were therapists and 124 parents. Only a small sampling of clients responded. The demographics of professionals using CST for ASD, their level of CST training, and their qualifications to work with ASD were reflected. Demographics and referral sources of parents, and other details of their experiences, were surveyed. Perceived changes to the use of CST were explored through analysis of responses to both the Likert scale as well as the open comments. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study introduces the concept of CranioSacral Therapy as a treatment option for symptoms associated with ASD. Its clinical use has been available for three decades but few empirical studies exist. The results of the survey suggest that CST is already being professionally recommended as a treatment. This study found that there were positive responses observed by all 3 targeted groups leading to the authors concluding that there is worthy cause to further investigate how CST benefits Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD).

Pilot study of the effects of mixed light touch manual therapies on active duty soldiers with chronic post-traumatic stress disorder and injury to the head.

This pilot study was designed to examine the effects of mixed Light Touch Manual Therapies (LTMT) on headache, anxiety and other symptoms suffered by active duty United States service members experiencing chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Ten service members diagnosed with PTSD and having a self-reported injury to the head acquired at least two years prior, were provided with two hour-long sessions of mixed LTMT given a week apart. Data to assess the immediate and durable effects were gathered before and after the LTMT sessions. Results indicate that headache, anxiety, and pain interference were significantly reduced during the course of the pilot study. This suggests that mixed LTMT may be helpful in reducing some of the symptoms of PTSD and injury to the head. Further studies will be needed to determine if LTMT is an effective non-pharmacological treatment for headache, anxiety or other problems associated with PTSD or injury to the head.

Credibility of a comparative sham control intervention for Craniosacral Therapy in patients with chronic neck pain.

OBJECTIVES: Determining efficacy in complementary medicine research requires valid placebo/sham control groups that are credible to patients and ensure successful blinding. Within the scope of this study, a light touch sham-control intervention for trials of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) was developed and tested for its credibility. METHODS: Patients of a randomized controlled trial on chronic non-specific neck pain (NCT01526447) obtained the Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire and the Helping Alliance/Satisfaction Questionnaire. Treatment and sham group respectively received 8 weekly sessions of CST or light touch. Data without (N=50) and with multiple imputation (N=54) were analyzed separately using logistic regression models. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess whether group outcome could be predicted from patients' credibility ratings. An additional t-test for analysis of the overall compliance/attendance was conducted. RESULTS: Patients' ratings of treatment expectancy, credibility and therapeutic alliance were not found to have significant power for classifying patients into CST or sham group (p≥.05). Only satisfaction with treatment revealed a significant impact (AOR: 6.83; 95% CI: [1.54|30.24]; p=.011) in the non-imputed analysis, but not in the multiple imputation analysis (AOR: 4.09; 95% CI: [0.94|17.76]; p=.060). Compliance of both groups was not significantly different (p>.05) as were reasons for non-attendance. No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Patients' expectancy, credibility and therapeutic alliance did not appear to affect study outcomes, blinding patients to group allocation was possible, and sham intervention was tolerable and safe. The design can therefore be recommended as control for non-specific treatment effects in future CST clinical trials.