+ Are Craniosacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation a massage?

No. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and Visceral Manipulation (VM) are best described as Manual Therapy. CST and VM were developed by Dr. John Upledger , a doctor of Osteopathy and researcher at Michigan State University, and Dr. Jean Pierre Barral , a Physical Therapist and doctor Osteopathy, for the purpose of finding and addressing the root cause of pain and dysfunction in the body.

Our therapists have spent years studying detailed anatomy and physiology to identify specific structures in the body that are causing restrictions and impeding function, and while our sessions may be relaxing and decrease pain, our intent is to create long-lasting, deep change in the body that will enable you to live a freer, more full life.

+ What is a session like?

Craniosacral therapy and visceral manipulation are both modalities that are done fully clothed. The modalities are gentle and often light touch, although some visceral manipulation techniques require heavier pressure. Most techniques are done with you lying face up, but some are done in a sitting or sidelying position.

Our treatment space is kept warm, comfortable, and scent-free with low lighting. For any clients requiring a semi-recline position or extra bolstering for joints (such as for pregnant women), we have extra pillows and support to achieve a comfortable position for you.

+ HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE FOR ME TO SEE IMPROVEMENT?

On average, our clients improvement in their symptoms or condition in 1-3 sessions of Craniosacral Therapy or Visceral Manipulation.

+ What changes can I expect after my sessions?

Our clients experience a wide variety of changes after their sessions. Many clients report improved sleep quality, decrease pain, increase mood stability, and and increased sense of wellness and energy in their first few sessions.

Many clients also experience improvements that they were not expecting at all for conditions they never tell us about including but not limited to: vertigo, tinnitus, dental occlusions (improved contact between teeth), and reduced painful sexual intercourse.

As sessions continue, clients notice greater and greater improvement in the symptoms or condition that they came to us for. If you have any questions about the length of treatment for your symptom or condition, please do not hesistate to ask!

+ How long will it take for me to have complete resolution of my symptoms or condition?

This answer varies. For some of our clients, they have had complete resolution of their symptoms in 1-3 visits. For others, they have had required 6 session or more to see the level of improvement desired.

If we ever thing that we are not the right place for your to find healing for your symptoms or condition, we will communicate this with you and, when possible, refer you out to a health practitioner we think can help you.

+ Can I Use My Insurance to Pay?

Most insurances do not cover our services, however, many of our clients have been able to use their FSA's or HSA's to cover the cost our services. Contact your insurance provider to find out if our services are covered.

+ What symptoms or conditions have you worked with in the past?

We have worked with the following symptoms and conditions:

• Headaches/migraines
• Vertigo
• Tinnitus
• TMJ
• Insomnia
• Neck/shoulder pain
• Low pain pain
• Pelvic pain
• Nerve related pain
• Sciatic pain
• Frozen Shoulder Syndrome
• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Acid Reflux (GERD)
• Quick feelings of fullness
• Gastroparesis
• IBS
• Bloating
• Abdominal Pain
• Constipation
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Chron's Disease
• Diastisis Recti
• Post-Natal Recovery
• Surgical scarring
• Back Surgery
• Gallbladder Dysfunction or Pain
• Incontinence
• Painful Sexual Intercourse
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Prostate Pain
• Urinary Retention/Incomplete Bladder Emptying
• Chronic Fatigue
• PTSD
• Anxiety/Depression
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Autism
• Dysautonomia
• Postural Orthostatis Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)
• Autoimmune Disorders

+ How do you help those with autoimmune disorders?

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) and Visceral Manipulation (VM) help reduce the frequency, intensity, and/or duration of flare-ups for those with autoimmune disorders. Our clients with autoimmune disorders report that by keeping regular sessions with us, they experience shorter, less intense, less frequent flare ups of their condition, with some even going 12+ months without a flare up after having years of experiencing 2-3 per year that last multiple weeks.

CST and VM achieve this by helping the body's detoxification systems as well as helping the nervous system to enter its natural healing state, known as the Parasympathetic Nervous System. Often times with chronic illness, it is difficult for the body to enter into the rest and digest state, and toxins build up in the body. By assisting in toxin removal and a lowering of the nervous system sympathetic tone, the body is better equipped to handle the normal stressors of life and have a flare-free or flare-reduced life.

+ How frequently do I need to come to see improvement?

When clients first come, we typically recommend visits ever week or every other week to see consistent improvent in your symptoms or conditions. As improvement is seen, we reduce sessions to every other week or once a month until the symptoms or condition improvement is stabilized.

For most of our clients with autoimmune conditions, we have found one visit per month, or one visit every other month, was enough to maintain a flare-free or flare-reduced lifestyle.

+ HOW DO I START?

You can start by setting up a New Client Appointment with one of our therapists, or, if you have questions, email us at hello@betterbellytherapies.com and we'd love to answer your question!