The CranioSacral Connection

At A Chance To Grow, we know from experience that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to helping individuals reach their highest potential. Every client we see is unique. We are proud to be able to offer  so many therapeutic modalities to help our clients achieve their goals. Our therapists -- experts in auditory, vision, occupational, speech/language therapies and neurotechnology -- routinely work collaboratively to best address client needs. We believe that everything related to our health and wellness is connected, and it’s through this holistic lens that our team is able to provide the most comprehensive and individualized care for the whole person.

For example, our Neuro Integrative Clinic combines elements of reflex integration, developmental movement, and sensory processing therapies that collectively promote brain growth and social, physical, and emotional development. 

To give our clients the most comprehensive care available, we continue to add therapeutic approaches. So we are delighted to announce that Jennifer Voorhees, an occupational therapist (OTR/L) who is trained in CranioSacral Therapy techniques, reflex integration and sensory processing therapies, has joined the Neuro Integrative Clinic. This is a wonderful addition to our panoply of approaches, as CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a whole-body treatment that supports and nourishes the central nervous system. CST was pioneered in the 1970’s by Dr. John Upledger and is based on the idea that the body is interconnected at all levels – physically, emotionally and spiritually. This aligns with our overall holistic approach, allowing us to treat the whole person, not just the affliction. ​

The focus of this approach is fascia, a thin casing of connective tissues that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, bone, every fiber and muscle in place. The fascia is composed of multiple layers of hollow tubes of collagen fibers filled with fluid containing neurochemicals. Together they form a liquid crystalline matrix that can relay information to the brain faster than nerve impulses. ​

Typically, the fascia tissue glides smoothly over the areas of the body, with little resistance or tension. When an illness or injury occurs, which may be physical or emotional,  inflammation and scar tissue from the healing process may disrupt the fascia’s ability to function, restricting movement and causing pain. 

“From the top of our head, down to our toes, we’re connected by our fascia,” says Jennifer. “The slow, pumping rhythm of fluid through our bodies creates an ebb and flow on the fascia, allowing us to feel what’s moving, and what’s restricted.” 

The goal of CST is to respectfully guide the body’s own healing systems through gentle facilitation of the fascia as it returns to its full functional form. This is accomplished by applying gentle pressure – no more than the weight of a nickel – to assess and guide the fascia to restore the movement of the body’s tissues. . “Healing can happen when a  person’s system - mind, body, spirit - is ready and supported to release restrictions,” says Jennifer. “There are times when our body needs a certain amount of restriction for short periods to heal itself. But when the body is ready and I feel the fascia start to shift and release, I just follow the rhythm that we can feel within the fascia, and gently encourage the movement in the direction of healing.” ​

​Originally,  CST was developed as a physical healing modality, but over the years our understanding has evolved and practitioners have realized the profound effects it can have on mental health. “Clients often say that the gentle touch has a calming effect on their nervous system, and tends to make them feel safe and relaxed”, says Jennifer. “There is no separation between our minds and bodies. If a physical issue happens, it affects our emotions, and vice versa.”

A typical CST session for an adult lasts about one hour, and even less for a child. The number of sessions needed for improvement varies from person to person, but some clients say they feel less symptomatic after just one treatment.

​As with all our clinicians, Jennifer tailors treatment to meet the needs and preferences of those she serves. “I work with the client to understand what they’re comfortable with and adjust the treatment to meet their needs. Some clients have sensory issues and don’t like being touched or having their body manipulated. Sometimes we utilize visualization, guided imagery or calming music to put the client at ease. The body knows what it needs, my job is to listen to it so I can facilitate the change safely.” 

We’re thrilled to add CST to our menu of treatment choices and Jennifer to our team of skilled therapists. Aligning with our philosophy of mind-body connection, CST embraces the whole person, and beautifully complements our other treatment modalities, giving us another invaluable and effective asset for meeting client needs. As Jennifer notes, “Most clients say that they feel rested and relaxed after a session. When people have success with this treatment technique, it’s undeniable. We keep doing it because it works!” 

The interconnectedness of our wellbeing is a foundational principle at A Chance To Grow. It’s evident in how our clinics and clinicians work together to serve our clients, as well as the way we approach innovative interventions. But practicing this principle builds more than just organizational or physiological connections, it builds human connections, which allows all of us to achieve more together.
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To learn more about the interventions offered by the integrated Clinical Services of A Chance To Grow, please visit our website at ACTG.org/ClinicalServices or call us at (612) 789-1236. Let us connect you to the service you need to reach your full potential!