Cranial Sacral Therapy for Autism

Overview


Osteopathy is a system and philosophy of health care that places emphasis on the musculoskeletal system, hence the name - osteo - refers to bone and path refers to disease. Osteopaths also believe strongly in the healing power of the body and do their best to facilitate that strength. During this century, the disciplines of osteopathy and allopathic (traditional) medicine have been converging. Osteopathy shares many of the same goals as traditional medicine, but places greater emphasis on the relationship between the organs and the musculoskeletal system as well as on treating the whole individual rather than just the disease.

Osteopathy was founded in the 1890s by Dr. Andrew Taylor, who believed that the musculoskeletal system was central to health. The primacy of the musculoskeletal system is also fundamental to Chiropractic, a related health discipline. The original theory behind both approaches presumed that energy flowing through the nervous system is influenced by the supporting structures that encase and protect it - the skull and vertebral column. A defect in the musculoskeletal system was believed to alter the flow of this energy and cause disease. Correcting the defect cured the disease. Defects were thought to be misalignments - parts out of place by tiny distances. Treating misalignments became a matter of restoring the parts to their natural arrangement by adjusting them.

As medical science advanced, defining causes of disease and discovering cures, schools of osteopathy adopted modern science, incorporated it into their curriculum, and redefined their original theory of disease in light of these discoveries. Near the middle of the 20th century, the equivalance of medical education between osteopathy and allopathic medicine was recognized, and the D.O. degree (Doctor of Osteopathy) was granted official parity with the M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) degree. Physicians could adopt either set of initials.

Dr. John E. Upledger, an osteopathic physician and surgeon, developed a light-touch manipulative therapy called "cranio-sacral therapy" in the early 1970s. Osteopathy is a similar therapy in which gentle manipulation is given to various parts of the body to free restrictions of motion. Both osteopathy and craniosacral therapy are practiced by health practitioners worldwide.

Some of Upledger's techniques are based on the work of Dr. William Sutherland, whose work, known as "cranial osteopathy," involves manipulation of the bones of the cranium. Sutherland believed the bones in the skull evolved to provide opportunity for movement and that, when their movement becomes restricted for various reasons, head pains, coordination difficulties, and other problems may occur.

In 1975, Upledger and other scientists at Michigan State University's College of Osteopathic Medicine investigated Sutherland's theory that skull bones move in response to hydraulic pressure of cerebrospinal fluid. The team concluded that the skull's sutures are not hardened structures, but are elastic, containing nerve fibers, blood vessels, and elastic tissue. Upledger refined his work on the bones of the skull, face, and mouth (collectively, cranium) to include the bones from the spinal cord down to the sacrum and coccyx, all of which he includes in the craniosacral system. He also views the brain and spinal cord as connected by a hydraulic system encased in three tough membranes which are separated from one another by fluid-filled spaces. According to Upledger, movement of the fluid up and down the spinal cord creates movement in the membranes which, in turn, affects connective tissue in the body. An imbalance in the craniosacral system can affect the development of the brain and spinal cord, which can result in various bodily dysfunctions. Craniosacral therapy provides a way to examine movements in the various parts of the system and to free them from restrictions by means of gentle pressure from the therapist.

Advantages/Disadvantages
Pain is the chief reason patients seek musculoskeletal treatment. Pain is a symptom, not a disease by itself. Of critical importance is first to determine the cause of the pain. Cancers, brain or spinal cord disease, and many other causes may be lying beneath this symptom. Once it is clear that the pain is originating in the musculoskeletal system, treatment that includes manipulation is appropriate.

Therapy Outcome:
The key to treating autism is early evaluation.

In addition to conventional measures - CranioSacral Therapy can play an important role in a comprehensive therapeutic approach.

Upledger has conducted studies on children with autism to determine if there is any correlation between restrictions in this population. He believes children who are considered "classically autistic" in behavioral terms show similar patterns of restriction in the craniosacral system. Upledger investigated its effects on autistic children in Michigan in the 1970s. He spent approximately six months each year for three years searching for etiologic factors in autistic behavior. His research included physical examinations, hair analysis, blood electrophoretic studies and craniosacral system evaluations.

His studies concluded that CranioSacral Therapy was beneficial in treating Autism. When it was used to restore the mobility of the craniosacral system, typically autistic behaviors - including head banging, thumb sucking, toe walking and self-mutilation - were either alleviated or diminished. In 2000, Dr. Upledger presented his findings before a U.S. Government Reform Committee meeting on Autism.


Required Training:

It is best to use a certified Osteopath, Physical Therapist or Chiropractor who specializes in cranial sacral therapy on children. Some experience with children with autism is recommended but not necessary.

Intensity of Therapy
Therapy is generally done once per week.

Treatment Costs
There are no material costs

Service Providers


http://www.iahp.com/pages/search/

Suggested Websites
American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. 5550 Friendship Blvd., Suite 310, Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7231. (301)-968-4100. Website: http://www.aacom.org

American Osteopathic Association. Website: http://www.am-osteo-assn.org

Upledger Institute, Website: www.upledger.com Phone: 1-800-233-5880

Suggested Reading
CranioSacral Therapy, John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M., and Jon Vredevoogd, MFA

CranioSacral Therapy 2: Beyond the Dura, John E. Upledger, D.O., O.M.M.

Introduction To Craniosacral Therapy, Don Cohen, D.C.


References:
Autism Research Institute

Upledger Institute