Craniosacral therapy for children and teens
When a growing body needs a little extra help.
Injuries, headaches, sleep that never settles, a stomach that never feels right. Our gentle, calming approach works for school-age kids and teens, even the high-energy ones.
Your child is never rushed, and you stay in the room the whole time.
Reasons for care
What is your child going through?
Children and teens with these concerns often improve within a few sessions.
Focus, mood and learning
- ASD or ADD/ADHD
- Anger management
- Anxiety
- Learning difficulties
- Sensory processing
Sleep and breathing
- Back arching while sleeping
- Shallow or mouth breathing
- Snoring or sleep apnea
- Teeth grinding
- Restless sleep
- Matted bedhead from movement on the pillow
Ears, sinuses and chest
- Chronic ear infections
- Chronic sinus infections
- Chronic cough
Injuries and growth
- Injuries, especially to the head
- Concussion and sports injuries
- A broken bone after cast removal
- Growing pains
- Flat spots, a misshapen head or head turning to one side
- Torticollis or scoliosis
Eating and digestion
- Digestion issues
- Picky eating
- Swallowing troubles
- Straining during, or withholding, bowel movements
Mouth and development
- Blocked tear ducts
- Crowded teeth or a high-arch palate
- Tongue ties
- Speech delays
- Motor delays
Your first appointment
What to expect
We start with the story.
A health history and birth story intake, then gentle assessment and treatment in the same appointment.
Comfort sets the pace.
Most treatment happens with your child lying on the table, while the therapist places hands on different areas of the body based on comfort. Some children need a few sessions to warm up. We ask permission before treating each area.
You stay close.
Parents stay in the room, because a child must feel safe at all times. You may go home with calming touch activities, rhythmic movement videos or massage techniques.
What to expect over time
Often a few sessions over a couple of months.
Results vary. Some children need up to 3 sessions to see the best effect, because tension may date back to before birth. Many show changes right away, such as feeling calmer, reporting less growing pain or accepting more textured foods. Often the main issue resolves within 3 to 6 treatments.
Possible benefits include easier emotional management, fewer ear infections, better digestion and better sleep.
Why gentle works
Craniosacral therapy was developed by Dr. John E. Upledger, an osteopathic practitioner. Pressure as light as about 5 grams, roughly the weight of a nickel, can release tissue, which is why it is safe for children.
Works with osteopathy
For ages 5 and up, Jennifer Li, RMT/NMOS can look at posture, digestion, constipation, chronic pain and headaches, and works hand in hand with our craniosacral team. For ages 3 and up, gentle lymphatic drainage and constipation massage can ease bloating and constipation too.
Common questions
Questions parents ask us
Anything else on your mind? Call 647-372-0011 and we are happy to talk it through.
Is craniosacral therapy safe for my child?
It uses very light touch. You stay in the room the whole time, we ask permission before treating each area, and your practitioner will tell you if something should be checked by your doctor first.
Can I stay in the room?
Yes. Parents stay in the room, because a child must feel safe at all times.
What happens at the first visit?
We start with a health history and birth story intake, then gently assess and treat in the same appointment. Most treatment happens with your child lying on the table, and comfort sets the pace.
How many treatments will my child need?
Results vary. Some children need up to 3 sessions to see the best effect, and often the main issue resolves within 3 to 6 treatments.
Can my child also see an osteopath?
For ages 5 and up, Jennifer Li, RMT/NMOS can look at posture, digestion, constipation, chronic pain and headaches, and works hand in hand with our craniosacral team. For ages 3 and up, gentle lymphatic drainage and constipation massage is also available.
Craniosacral therapy for every age
Ready to help your child feel better?
Book online any time, or call 647-372-0011 and we'll help you find the right first step. All families welcome.