Frequently Asked Questions

What does it actually feel like?

Most people find CranioSacral sessions pleasant and relaxing. People often comment that it feels as if their batteries are being re-charged. Feelings of tingling, numbing sensations, or momentary pain related to past events is quite common. As this settles, the net result is one of feeling better, with many patients sensing an internal reorganization or feeling as if a weight has been lifted from their shoulders.

What does a treatment involve?

The patient lies (or alternatively sits) fully-clothed on a comfortable treatment table. A newborn or child can be rested on a massage table or even engaged in play. Using a light touch — generally no more than the weight of a nickel — the therapist monitors the rhythm of fluid flowing through the person’s central nervous system in order to detect potential problems. Delicate hands-on techniques are then used to release any tensions that may be affecting you or your child’s brain and spinal cord.

A session can last from 30 minutes to more than an hour. Gentle contact allows the patient to feel at ease. The result is a central nervous system free of restrictions and a body that’s able to return to a better level of health.

How many sessions will I need?

The number of sessions required depends entirely on the state of health of the individual. Acute injury and disease states may be resolved in a few sessions and not return. For chronic debilitating diseases, it may require a longer treatment schedule to manage symptoms and develop greater well-being. Some people come monthly as an effective way of managing stress while others come on an ‘as needed’ basis for rebalancing.

Infants and children may require only 2 – 3 sessions. Initially, sessions are 1-2 weeks apart with a reduction in frequency for longer term care. Treatments are monitored for results. One of the greatest benefits of CST is that when the underlying imbalance is restored, further treatment is usually not necessary to maintain results.

Are CranioSacral Treatments covered by Health Insurance?

Yes. CST is within the scope of Massage Therapy, and is covered by most extended health care plans. Insurance services do vary, however, so check with your insurance provider to determine if a Medical Doctor’s recommendation is necessary for Massage Therapy to be covered. A receipt is provided upon payment for your CST treatment, allowing you to be reimbursed according to your insurance plan.

Will treatments help if I have no particular symptoms?

Yes. Many people find that CranioSacral therapy helps them feel better, have more energy, and deal better with everyday stress. Regular treatments may help prevent more complicated health conditions from developing in the future. Many patients make appointments on a regular basis for a ‘tune up’, as a valuable part of preventive care and wellness. Regular ‘well-baby checks’ for healthy newborns are highly recommended to assess and treat any imbalances resulting from the birthing process. For the growing child, regular checks are recommended for any emerging structural imbalances.

How safe is Craniosacral Therapy?

CranioSacral therapy is gentle, non-directive, and non-invasive, and is therefore an extremely safe therapy. It is essentially the art of listening and enabling the body to heal itself.

Is it head massage?

No. Because of the name, CranioSacral therapy, it may be misunderstood that it concerns only the head and spine. CST is not a form of head massage although contact is made with the head in most sessions.

What are the effects of CranioSacral therapy?

Craniosacral therapy improves one’s general health and quality of life, as well as helping with specific physical, neurological, or emotional problems. It is effective for the results of accidents, falls and strains, as well as diseases and psychological conditions. CranioSacral therapy may also assist to reduce stress and improve the functioning of the immune system.

Can CranioSacral help with Concussion and Head Injury?

Yes. It is highly recommended to have a CST assessment in the event of head injury. Rosemary has a specialization in manual Cranial osteopathic techniques (Dr. Guy Voyer, DO) to release lesion patterns in the head. It is advisable to receive a treatment as soon as any concussive bleed has subsided, but even years later lesion patterns can be detected and released.

Here are two of hundreds of stories from clients whose lives were transformed:

“I’ve returned to all my normal activities.”

“Before working with Rosemary I suffered from debilitating TMJ syndrome. I lost work. I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t even participate in everyday activities. I was taking pain medication, but the relief was only temporary.
After my first session with Rosemary I discontinued my pain meds and felt steady improvement. After 3 sessions I’m now pain-free. I sleep well, play with my grandson, and I’ve returned to all my normal activities.”

"I’m no longer lost to myself or my loved ones."

“I was suffering with chronic neck and back pain when I first saw Rosemary. Pain meds were no longer helping, I couldn’t sleep, I dropped all my physical and social activities. My life was no longer recognizable to me.

As Rosemary gently guided my body to release long-held tensions, I could feel the pain and muscle spasms melt away. After a few sessions I realized that as the worst of the pain was leaving, I was feeling my energy levels improve.

I am so thankful for Rosemary’s expertise. I’m pain-free. But more importantly, I’m no longer lost to myself and my loved ones.”