CranialOT is short for Craniosacral Occupational Therapy. It is a blend of my 15 years as a pediatric occupational therapist, supporting babies and children with varying diagnoses and my more recent deep dive and certification into the infant craniosacral therapy world. The more I learn about the body, the brain, how compression of cranial bones affect the brain and cranial nerves, and how tightness or restriction in the fascia enveloping our entire body affects our functioning, the more I truly believe that craniosacral therapy is a missing piece. If the brain is not working optimally and/or the body is tight, then we cannot expect our littlest ones to function at their best.

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle hands-on treatment, almost like a very light massage that releases tension from the fascia surrounding your entire body, while also restoring the movement of fluids in and around the central nervous system (called the cerebrospinal fluid).  This gentle massage restores circulation and function, by releasing the tension or blockages that might be present.  CST is thought to improve the efficiency of your biological processes through boosting self-regulation, self correction and self-healing.

Craniosacral therapy is very important for all infants (and mamas too) after birth, because they may have experienced prolonged compressed positions in the pelvis, the cord around their neck, or distress during delivery as a result of forceps, ventouse, or cesarean delivery. Compression of the cranial (head) bones, compression of the cranial nerves, and body tightness can all affect many activities of daily living, as well as a baby's overall quality of life.

Pediatric occupational therapists are registered occupational therapists who have done additional training in various pediatric approaches.  These additional trainings are dependent on the therapist’s interests and may include handwriting approaches, sensory integration, feeding (including sensory and oral motor challenges and tethered oral tissue therapy for pre/post frenectomy), NDT (neurodevelopmental treatment), and more.

At CranialOT, I focus on babies and young children.  I assess their overall development with a focus on their “occupations” or activities of daily living. For infants and toddlers, this may include:

• Playing & moving

• Eating (breast or bottle feeding and solids)

• Sleeping

• Pooping

• Overall Regulation (ie. fussy, unsettled, cranky)

Many things can interfere with these daily occupations and lead to difficulties with daily function. Some examples might include tethered oral tissues, body tightness or pain and discomfort,  difficulties with motor development and motor skills, sensory processing differences, and more.

Craniosacral therapy is a non-invasive, hands-on technique that uses a very light touch with about 5 grams of pressure (about the pressure with which you would touch your eyelid). Using my fingertips, I feel through the body to see if I can find areas of tightness or tension, areas that are restricted or feel stuck - like they don't move well. Then, with 5 grams of pressure, I release those tissues or cranial bones to create the space needed for improvements and growth. Though this treatment will not hurt your baby, there may be an increase of sleepiness after the treatment, fussiness for a few days following. This can happen when a good emotional release has occurred in the body. One way to help is to talk to your baby - talk about what you think may have been stressful (ie. from their time in utero or their birth experience) or just validate that they are feeling sad, frustrated, have a story to tell ... and be present while you listen to them.

Sometimes you will also see a 'regression' after a few days of progress. This is also normal! This is why I recommend a follow-up session in 5-7 days so that we can work on the next thing that needs to be released.

If no changes have been observed after 2-3 sessions, it may be beneficial to receive another treatment, or switch practitioners for the next treatment.

The initial appointment includes a review of your health history and birth-story, gentle assessments and treatment. The assessment and treatment happen at the same time. It may look like I'm doing nothing. It may seem like I'm just looking at your baby and admiring how cute they are. This is true! But I'm also working. The movements I do during craniosacral therapy are micro movements that you will not see. What you will see is how your baby reacts - they may twitch, move their body around, yawn, sigh, readjust their body, or start to look very relaxed, calm and even fall asleep. I may also blend in my skills as an OT and do various other techniques to support your baby's development & regulation.

Depending on your child’s comfort level with meeting new people, the first session can either consist of them laying on the table for the majority of the session, in your arms, feeding, or sitting in your lap. I often find working while baby is feeding to be quite effective as well. For older babies, toddlers, and pre-schoolers, it may take a few sessions for your child to warm up to the care provider. I will do their best to gain the trust of the child. 

Often you will see some changes either during the session or a few days after the first session. Sometimes an area needs to be released and integrated into the body after a good, long sleep (or perhaps a few days worth of naps) before you see some changes.

While changes can often be seen after the first session, it is strongly recommended to have another session within 5-7 days to make sure the changes have fully integrated. It may take anywhere from 3-8 treatments spread over a couple of months to resolve the major issue of concern.

Benefits may include a happier, calmer, more relaxed baby that feeds much easier. Easing of symptoms like reflux, colic, fussiness, ear infections, and even noticeable changes in head shape. You may notice easier management of emotions, improved digestion, better sleep, able to eat (and enjoy) more textured foods. Really the possibilities are endless..

If you have 'occupational therapy' coverage through your extended health insurance, then my services will be covered partially or in full, depending on the details of your benefits package. You can also claim my services under your Health Savings Account or on your year end taxes.