CranioSacral Therapy

Dr Rachel HarrisonRose Garden Medical Centre Leith, Edinburgh

Complementary Therapy on NHS(CAM)

• General Practice• Physiotherapy• Mental Health Services• Hospices• Hospitals

Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital

Effective Safe Practice

• Cost of Patient’ Condition to NHS Family Society

• Safety and cost of treatment

• Outcome - demonstrate effectiveness

Why Complementary Medicine?

• Condition merits treatment.• Orthodox treatment effective?• Side effects?• Cost?• Other treatment?

Why CranioSacral Therapy?

• Safe• Gentle• Addresses Structural Changes• Parents can participate• Evidence Based Medicine

Two consecutive studies

• Multi Practitioner Study• Ten CranioSacral Therapists• Up to ten consecutive patients each• NHS patients (Single Practitioner)• Before and After Questionnaires

Conditions Treated With CST NumberHeadaches and Migraine 23Neck Pain 22Depression/Anxiety/Stress 18Back Pain 15Other Musculoskeletal Problems 13Unsettled Babies 12Sleep Problems 4Gastrointestinal Problems 4Jaw Tension/Dysfunction 3Neuralgia 3Dizziness/Tinnitus 3Shoulder Pain 2Other conditions 8

Glasgow Homeopathic Hospital Outcome Score

• +4 Cure• +3 Major Improvement• +2 Improvement of value in Daily Living• +1 Minor Improvement• 0 No change• -1 Minor Deterioration• -2 Deterioration impacting on daily living• -3 Major Deterioration• -4 Death

46 patients with outcome data• 34 (74%) valuable or better improvement in main

problem

• 31 (67%) valuable or better improvement in a secondary problem

• 30 (65%) also valuable or more improvement in general well-being.

• 15 (70%) of patients on medication for problem decreased or stopped it.

Single practitioner patients

60% reduction in GP consultation rate

Patient Feedback Comments

• Our experience of CST was very positive and the approach is very encouraging for a new mum. (Mother of unsettled colicky baby)

• The treatment helped Max (2months old) relax and become calmer in himself. It has helped his breathing and ability to turn his head.

Patients Feedback Comments• Migraine has been a longstanding problem and I

am very happy with my improvement.

• I feel my improvement is totally due to CST, I feel better after a few sessions than after six months of GP and medicines. (Headaches)

• I felt better when the treatment started but now it has reverted to what it was before. (Migraine )

Adolescents with ADHD

• 28 Adolescents• 2 weeks Massage therapy• Self rated ‘happier’• Better concentration• Less fidgeting• Lower Hyperactivity rating

Use of CST in Physically Impaired Population in Southern Ireland• 46 service users• 0 – 18 years old• 20 item survey• 100% feedback• Symptom control• Decrease stress in siblings, parent and

patients• All parents wanted more treatment

Parent Feedback Comments

• The sessions have markedly improved his coordination and concentration. This allows his siblings to have a normal relationship with him.

• My Child is always so calm and relaxed after sessions. When the treatment stopped in the holidays the anxiety would start to rise again.

Why CST?

• Structural tension• Anxiety/sleep• Co-ordination• Concentration• Wellbeing• Relaxation

References• The Use of CST in a physically impaired population in

a disability service in Southern Ireland: Glikson M, JACM, November 07

• Adolescents with ADHD benefit from Massage Therapy, Adolescene, 1998

• Relationship of CranioSacral Findings in School Children with Developmental Problems: Upledger, Journal of American Osteopathic Association, 1978

This Service

• Integrated support• Use CST• Ensure safety• Monitor outcome• Demonstrate Effectiveness

Dr Rachel Harrison

• Rose Garden Medical Centre• Edinburgh• rachelharrison@onetel.com