Myofascial and CranioSacral Therapy Vitality Vibes with Andrew Kerr

• What is Myofascial Therapy?
• What is Craniosacral Therapy?
• Andrew’s approach to combining Myofascial and Craniosacral in a session.
• What to expect in a session.
• Liz’s experience with receiving Andrew’s work.
• The male therapist dilemma.

What is CranioSacral Therapy?

CranioSacral Therapy (CST) was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and Professor of Biomechanics.

CranioSacral Therapy (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, which has been shown to improve the functioning of the central nervous system, as well as many other systems of the body, such as digestive, musculoskeletal, respiratory, circulatory, and more. CST has also been shown to help with the physical components related to such somatic conditions as Post Traumatic Stress, depression and anxiety.

By facilitating the body’s natural and innate healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and has been shown to be beneficial for people seeking help with a wide range of healthcare challenges and symptoms including:

• Migraines, Headaches
• Chronic Pain
• Motor-Coordination Impairments
• Central Nervous System Disorders
• Orthopedic Problems
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Concussions
• Alzheimer’s
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Scoliosis
• Conception, Pregnancy, Birth
• Pediatric Challenges
• Learning Differences, ADD, ADHD
• Autism and Sensory Processing
• Chronic Fatigue
• Emotional Difficulties, Depression
• Stress and Tension-Related Problems
• Fibromyalgia and other Connective-Tissue Disorders
• TMJ and Dental Challenges
• Immune Disorders
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Post-Surgical Dysfunction
• Sleep Challenges

What is Myofascial Therapy? 

Fascia is the connective tissue within and throughout our whole body. It surrounds all organs, bones, and muscles. This complex structure is surrounded and perfused with liquid which lubricates the gliding movement of the fibers as we move and stretch. With trauma, cumulative stress, surgery, emotional issues, and postural stress, this liquid can thicken and solidify. This thickening limits motion constricts tissues, and can be a direct cause of pain. Applying strong force to change the tissue can cause the body to react and resist change. A myofascial approach applies very gentle pressure into the barrier and then allows it to respond over time. Nothing is forced, but instead, the release follows the cues given by the tissues receiving the treatment. The changes made can be very subtle initially. After a short period of “settling” following the treatment, these changes can become quite profound and often become more of a permanent change. This longer-term benefit is a result of listening to the body and working towards the true source of the symptoms.

Andrew Kerr, Physical Therapist, specializes in Myofascial Release for:

• New or Old Trauma
• Orthopedics
• Neurological Conditions
• Balance and Vestibular
• Oncology
• Post-Surgical and Post-Injury
• Headaches and Concussion
• Patient safety and independence

Combining Myofascial and Craniosacral Therapies in a Physical Therapy Session

Myofascial therapy targets the connective tissue with gentle pressure. Craniosacral is an energy work modality that involves some light physical contact to reestablish energy flow. During a session, Physical Therapist Andrew Kerr pays close attention to the client’s experience and the story their body is telling him to provide relief from pain. His “utmost respect for the body”, plays out in long and slow movements that provide not only physical, but emotional release as well. Liz Evans has experienced his sessions 3-4 times and has experienced intense emotional, physical, and muscular release.