Craniosacral Therapy for Concussion Symptoms

Craniosacral Therapy Canberra | Natural Post-Concussion Relief

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is gaining recognition in Canberra as a gentle, non-invasive approach to support recovery from concussion and post-concussion syndrome. While formal research is still evolving, both practitioners and patients have shared promising anecdotal outcomes. CST involves applying light, sustained touch to the head and spine, aimed at supporting the nervous system and improving the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Leading sports physicians are increasingly referring concussion patients to CST practitioners to help reduce lingering symptoms. According to Dr. Elizabeth Sandel, a respected brain injury specialist, CST can be effective in treating headaches, neck pain, and back pain associated with post-concussion syndrome.

Canberra Concussion Therapy

How Craniosacral Therapy Helps with Concussion Recovery

Cranial bones, sutures, and membranes are believed to have slight movement and "breath." Head trauma can disrupt this mobility and interfere with CSF flow, neural communication, and blood supply. CST aims to gently restore balance and motion within the cranial system, improving:

  • Sleep quality

  • Pain levels (head, neck, back)

  • Mental clarity and memory

  • Mood stability

  • Autonomic nervous system balance

Mechanistically, CST is thought to influence the parasympathetic nervous system, downregulate stress responses, and enhance cerebrovascular fluid dynamics (Roland, 2017). This supports a healing environment for the brain post-injury.

How Does Craniosacral Therapy Work?

Craniosacral therapy is based on the concept that the craniosacral system — consisting of the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord — has a rhythmic motion that can be felt and influenced through gentle touch. When injuries like concussions disrupt this rhythm, it may contribute to pain, dysfunction, and emotional dysregulation.

Therapists use light, non-invasive touch to assess and support the natural motion of the cranial bones and sacrum, encouraging proper flow of cerebrospinal fluid and enhancing the body's ability to self-regulate and heal. By restoring subtle movement within the craniosacral system, CST aims to release tension and trauma held in the nervous system.

When Was Craniosacral Therapy Developed?

Craniosacral therapy was developed in the 1970s by Dr. John E. Upledger, an osteopathic physician and professor of biomechanics at Michigan State University. While assisting during spinal surgeries, Dr. Upledger observed a rhythmic motion in the dural membrane and later identified it as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic tool. He refined CST as a stand-alone manual therapy technique and went on to establish the Upledger Institute to train practitioners worldwide.

CST builds upon earlier work from the 1930s by osteopath Dr. William Sutherland, who developed cranial osteopathy, the foundation of modern craniosacral practices.

What to Expect from a Craniosacral Therapy Session

CST sessions are typically 60–75 minutes and are performed with the client fully clothed, lying on a massage table. The practitioner gathers a full health history and listens carefully to your goals.

The therapist uses gentle, sustained touch, focusing on the craniosacral rhythm and subtle tissue movement. Unlike traditional massage, CST involves no deep pressure or muscle manipulation.

Clients often report:

  • Deep relaxation

  • Decreased pain

  • Heightened body awareness

  • Emotional release or insight

Some practitioners combine CST with counseling or work alongside mental health professionals.

Research: Evidence for Craniosacral Therapy and Concussion

While large-scale trials are still limited, emerging studies and clinical evidence point to promising results:

  • A 2017 study in Medical Acupuncture (Green et al.) found that ten sessions of Craniosacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation (VM), and Neural Manipulation (NM) led to significant improvements in pain intensity, range of motion, memory, cognitive clarity, and sleep in individuals with post-concussion syndrome.

  • A 2018 pilot study published in The Journal of the American Osteopathic Association concluded that osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine (OCMM) was a safe and helpful adjunctive treatment for concussion symptoms. Participants showed improvement on the Post-Concussion Symptom Scale after just one session (DiFrancisco-Donoghue et al., 2018).

  • A 2020 observational study (Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies) suggested that manual therapies like CST may enhance glymphatic function, supporting detoxification of the brain and reducing inflammation post-injury (Nakamura et al., 2020).

  • Former NFL and CFL players, including Ricky Williams, participated in studies with the Upledger Institute International, reporting measurable improvements in headaches, mental fog, and mobility following CST-based protocols.

Book a Craniosacral Therapy Session in Canberra

At The Body Lab Canberra, we provide expert craniosacral therapy for people recovering from concussion or managing long-term post-concussion symptoms. Our team combines anatomical expertise with trauma-informed care, offering a calm, restorative environment to support your healing.

📅 Ready to take the next step?

Book a session with one of Canberra's most trusted CST practitioner.

📍 Serving: Braddon, Ainslie, Dickson, and surrounding suburbs.