How Many CranioSacral Therapy Sessions Do I Need?

How Many CranioSacral Therapy Sessions Do I Need?

This is a question most people are wondering, even if they do not ask it, as they consider the time and financial commitment required by them to work on their condition through CranioSacral Therapy. 

So, firstly, the most important step is to come in for an initial appointment. From that point it becomes evident how many sessions are likely depending on your condition and how well you respond to the treatment.

Some people may need just two sessions to relieve the main symptoms of their conditions whereas others may need four or five sessions inside a month followed by maintenance sessions for some time afterwards. I often find that the therapy works very effectively when given intensively over a short time.  For example, one session a week for a few weeks in a row.

One of the things that I am very conscious of is to not generate a level of dependence on myself, the therapist. As result I am always happy when the client decides that they have got what they needed from the therapy for the present and rebook when they feel they need another session - or indeed, they are happy to move on. As the sessions progress, the client is always in the "driver’s seat". I like to teach clients to listen to their bodies and let that guide them.

Oftentimes, clients may need to see another practitioner such as a chiropractor or acupuncturist to assist them in their journey to optimum health. These sessions often happen in parallel with the CranioSacral treatments. This is a client's individual choice and unfolds as treatments progress.

I have found over the years that, in general, the longer the injury or symptoms have been with the person the longer it takes to help them alleviate them. So, a newborn baby with birth trauma; if treated right away, will not take as long to heal as someone suffering from migraines or chronic pain for years. 

But after saying that I can never be sure, I have treated people with years of headaches that have disappeared after three treatments. The main thing to remember is that each person has individual circumstances and will be treated accordingly.

Jeannette Raskin practices at Family First Chiropractic, 142 Erickson Drive, Red Deer, Alberta.  403-347-3261. www.family1stchiro.ca. 

Text Neck

Text Neck

The act of holding your head flexed and forward while looking down at your handheld device and/or laptop screen places your cervical spine in a tenuous position.  Our neck normally has a forward lordotic curve. This curve is straightened with prolonged forward head posture. Over long periods of time, maintaining this head-forward posture can lead to muscle strain, disc injury, nerve impingement and arthritic changes of the neck. This increases the potential for developing ongoing neck and shoulder pain, headaches, and pain radiating down the arms.

For every one inch of forward head posture away from neutral the weight of your head increases by 100% or 10lbs. The more your neck has gone forward, the more weight it has to carry. This disorder is associated with chronic headaches, shoulder and neck pain. Medical research has also uncovered evidence of related early onset arthritis and even decrease lung capacity. Try this for yourself. Have your head over your shoulders, take a deep breath. Put your head forward and try that same deep breath. It was harder to take the deep breath with the head forward wasn’t it!

The original term was "text neck"—the new term “tech neck” highlights the fact that it's not just texting anymore—almost all the time we spend looking at any screen has the potential for damaging the neck.

Exercises can help improve your posture, strengthen your neck and create better habits for everyday life. To avoid developing degenerative neck changes due to posture, here are several simple steps you can start today.

Set time limits. Limit the amount of time and frequency that you use your device. If you have to use it for an extended period of time, take breaks. Develop a habit of taking a three-minute break for every 15-20 minutes you use your device. Change your posture and move around.

Set automatic reminders. Utilize an automatic alarm with your smart device reminding you to take a time out

Use a tablet holder. Purchase a holder to elevate your device to significantly reduce the amount of neck flexion and forward positioning. Try to keep the device as close to eye-level as possible.

Sit in a chair with a headrest. Switch to a chair with a headrest, and make sure to keep the back of your head in contact with the headrest while using your tablet, phone or laptop. Keeping the back of your head flush against the headrest will ensure that you're not looking down with your neck flexed forward.

Use pain as a warning. If you're experiencing pain in your neck, between the shoulder blades, numbness or tingling in the arms, or frequent headaches there may be a more serious issue going on. Pay attention to these warning signs and act quickly to make changes to reduce or eliminate any head-forward posture that is straining your neck.

Chiropractic treatment is the best option for these issues. If you are having symptoms or just want to check if you or your children have this problem, book an appointment.

As a general rule, the sooner you seek treatment the more likely it is that you'll have success in treating the problem.

Dr. Stephen Kelly D.C.

Dr. Kelly practices at Family First Chiropractic located at 142 Erickson drive in Red Deer. Call us today to book an appointment (403)347-3261 or visit us at www.family1stchiro.ca