Research, Articles & Case Studies

 CranioSacral Bibliography

 Physical Therapy Treatment for Facial and Jaw Pain Associated with Trigeminal Neuralgia Using Systemic Manual Therapy (SMT)
The article "Physical Therapy Treatment for Facial and Jaw Pain Associated with Trigeminal Neuralgia Using Systemic Manual Therapy (SMT)" explores an innovative approach to treating trigeminal neuralgia (TN)-associated facial pain through Systemic Manual Therapy (SMT). It examines how central sensitization and direct mechanical or circulatory compromise of the trigeminal nerve complex contribute to TN symptoms and evaluates various SMT protocols to determine their effectiveness.

The study uses a Hypothesis-Oriented Algorithm for Clinicians (HOAC) and Adaptive Platform Design (APD) approach, analyzing 85 patients treated with 99 different SMT protocol combinations. The findings suggest that 66% of patients reported significant improvement in TN-related pain and overall complaints, supporting the hypothesis that intermittent disruption of central sensitization loops can effectively reduce pain.

The study also identifies specific SMT protocols that provide the most significant relief, particularly those that target visceral input reduction, inflammatory activity shifting, and oxidative stress reduction. The authors recommend integrating these findings into clinical practice and call for future research using randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to strengthen the evidence base.

This study is on manual therapy protocols which includes Barral. It is conducted by a clinic in Tucson that uses Barral in their therapy.  It shows Manual therapy as more beneficial for hip pain than exercise. The study compares Systemic Manual Therapy (SMT) with exercise-based approaches in 449 patients over 556 episodes of care, showing a higher improvement rate with SMT (63%) versus exercise (54%).

The study also highlights Barral manual therapy for its role in reducing circulatory congestion and protective guarding in the abdominal and pelvic regions. Other techniques include Fascial Counterstrain (FCS), Integrative Manual Therapy (IMT), and Muscle Energy Techniques (MET).

Clinicians are advised to prioritize SMT techniques that enhance circulation, reduce sensitization, and restore joint mechanics. It also suggests shifting early rehabilitation toward cardiovascular and interval-based exercises rather than muscle loading and stretching.

  A pilot study led by Dr. Lisa M. Chavez and presented at the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians convention highlights the potential of CranioSacral Therapy (CST) in treating post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).   The study involved 38 Tibetan ex-political prisoners, many of whom had experienced severe trauma and torture. Participants who received CST showed statistically significant reductions in anxiety and somatic complaints, especially among female participants.

This research suggests that CranioSacral Therapy offers a safe, non-verbal, and holistic approach to healing trauma and PTSD, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.

CLBP is a pervasive condition significantly impacting individuals’ quality of life and functional capability worldwide. It is estimated that up to 85% of the global adult population is affected by chronic lower back pain, making it the most widespread musculoskeletal disorder

While the etiology of CLBP can be multifaceted and complex, the neurophysiological phenomenon we call CS can be a significant contributor to the persistence and intensification of pain. In CS, the
nervous system undergoes a process of heightened sensitivity to both painful and (normally) non-painful stimuli. 

The study’s analysis of comorbidities provides insights into this. Excluding comorbidities associated with CS, three factors remain: statins use, surgical history, and tobacco or alcohol use. These observations support early referral to physical therapy instead of elective surgery; smoking cessation; and adopting lifelong habits such as exercise and a healthy diet.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Systemic Manual Therapy using a HOAC-APD mode to treat trigeminal neuralgia-associated facial pain.

This study demonstrated that TN can be effectively treated by focusing on central
sensitization, which is preserved by the continuous input of several self-reinforcing loops into the LC-NA system.
This study supports the hypothesis that central sensitization can be treated by creating intermittent disruption of these self reinforcing loops.

The Path to healing is sometimes revealed by allowing your own body to heal itself. CranioSacral Therapy is an ancient modality that supports the body to heal itself through a Gentle Touch to the CranioSacral System in the body and extensive areas of concern. It helps with the overall well being of your Mind, Body and Balance.

Dr. John Upledger, discovered this while helping with a spinal surgery on a Dural membrane and discovered a different rhythm than the heartbeat itself.

This article offers a detailed look into how CranioSacral Therapy (CST) can provide significant support for women's health, particularly in areas such as pelvic floor tension, pregnancy, fertility, and trauma recovery. Written as an interview with Heather Hinz, MS OTR/L, CST-T, the article explores how CST’s gentle, non-invasive techniques help release both physical and emotional tension, facilitating healing for women struggling with physical discomfort or emotional trauma. Heather highlights how CST works by assessing and supporting the craniosacral rhythm, helping restore balance within the body and nervous system, making it an invaluable tool in women’s health care.

This article explores the effectiveness of CranioSacral Therapy (CST) in treating infantile colic. Conducted as a randomized controlled trial, the study evaluated infants diagnosed with colic, comparing a group that received CST sessions with a control group that received no treatment. The results showed that infants treated with CST experienced a significant reduction in crying hours, improved sleep, and lessened severity of colic symptoms compared to the control group. This study demonstrates the potential of CST as an effective, non-invasive treatment for infant colic, providing relief for both babies and their families.

This article explores the principles and applications of Visceral Manipulation (VM). It introduces the historical roots of VM in osteopathy, highlights its development by Jean-Pierre Barral, and explains how fascial tension in the organs can influence pain, posture, and health. The article outlines VM techniques, clinical benefits, and conditions it may help, including digestive issues, chronic pain, and emotional stress. A case study and safety guidelines are also included, emphasizing the therapy’s holistic and integrative nature.