Upledger Institute Case Study. CranioSacral Therapy Attention Deficient Hyperactive Disorder/Dyslexia. Tami Goldstein, WLMT, CST T, BCTMB

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1 Upledger Institute Case Study CranioSacral Therapy Attention Deficient Hyperactive Disorder/Dyslexia Tami Goldstein, WLMT, CST T, BCTMB Case Report: Jordan Introduction Craniosacral therapy is a light-touch therapy that can detect and correct restrictions in the craniosacral system that may cause sensory, motor, and/or mental dysfunction. Craniosacral therapy evaluates dysfunction by palpating fluid movement within the ventricles of the brain and through the Dural membranes. Craniosacral therapy techniques can restore homeostasis to the brain and nervous system. There are many sources available to further understanding of this therapy including Craniosacral II, Beyond the Dura (Upledger, 1987) and Working Wonders: Changing Lives with Craniosacral Therapy (Case Studies from Practitioners of CST, 2005). Both offer accounts of improved health through Craniosacral therapy for various clinical presentations. The author s focus in this case report is on autism. Autism is a developmental disorder with various degrees of severity. It is characterized by difficulty in social interaction, communication, and control of repetitive behaviors. Individuals with autism may be impacted in occupational and other areas of social and emotional functioning as well. A primary focus of craniosacral therapy is enhanced membrane motion, which improves cerebrospinal fluid movement. It is reasonable to say that if the tissues surrounding the brain are restricted, fluid movement in the brain could be compromised. Blocked fluid prevents nutrients, oxygen, and hormones from reaching the brain; removal of waste and toxins is compromised as well. A study published in 2016 in the Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies entitled The Use of Craniosacral Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders: Benefits from viewpoints of Parents, Clients, and Therapists, describes generally

2 assessed clinical findings and behavioral improvement supporting the use of craniosacral therapy for autism treatment. The intention of this case report is to present what occurred for one individual on the autism spectrum. History Provided by the Mother Jordan was born September 8, 1992, healthy and full-term. At age 3, Jordan began speech and language remediation because he was nonverbal. At age 8, he was diagnosed with attention deficient hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia. The family began private tutoring, 2 days per week, that included facial recognition and body movement therapy. At age 12, Jordon was diagnosed with Asperger s syndrome, high functioning autism by a psychiatrist After high school, Jordon attempted to complete a few college classes but dropped out; he began isolating himself in his room. Jordan s mother sought craniosacral therapy because of his isolation, social anxiety, and lack of motivation. He was not working or attending school at and spent most of his time alone. Total out of pocket cost amounted to $20, Observation Jordan had a fold of skin over his nasal suture; his right shoulder was elevated and rotated anteriorly. He had a head-forward posture, and it angled with the chin towards the left of midline. Evaluation and Treatment Evaluation and monitoring of the CSR rhythm, arcing, fascial glide, 10-step protocol, positional tissue release and Still Point.

3 Jordan exhibited asymmetry throughout his body; his hips were rotated anteriorly, there was right sacroiliac joint restriction and lumbar spine restriction. His rib cage torqued to the left, the right shoulder presented anterior rotation, and there was fascial restriction along the sternum and intercoastal ribs; his left retro-hyoids were hypertonic at 5 on a 1-4 scale, his cranial base was compressed on C1and around the magnum foramen. His sphenoid was compressed with an extension, right side bending, and right torsion restriction; there was, in addition, severe frontal bone compression, parietal restriction, his temporal bones were out of sync and had no circumferential movement, and the Dural tube had reduced inferior/ superior movement. Jordan received therapy between March 2013 and April 2017; he completed 38 one-hour sessions. The first year he attended therapy every 3 weeks; each year thereafter he sought fewer therapy sessions. Outcomes: The fold of skin over previously observed over Jordan s nasal suture line had reduced. Fascial and diaphragm restrictions released. Anterior posterior decompression of the cranial base. Decompression of the lumbar spine and mobilization of the sacrum. Increased Dural Tube movement Osseous restrictions in the sphenoid, temporal, frontal, and parietals released. Increased fluid movement. Somatic emotional releases. Perceived Behavioral Outcomes Observed by Mother, Client and Therapist Jordan is responsible for his own health care and no longer relies on his parents.

4 Jordan is more flexible and less rigid with respect to changes in his schedule; he is willing to try new things. Jordan exhibits less sensory reaction. Jordan has improved cognitive awareness. Jordan exhibits more empathy. Jordan has better focus. Jordan has better awareness of his surroundings Jordan can self-regulate his sensory system and calls for therapy as needed. The author hasn t seen Jordan in a year; he calls to tell her he s Doing great! Jordan is working full time and living with his wife and two dogs. Jordan s quality of life is improved Discussion There is notable improvement in Jordon s body symmetry, specifically the skull, in his behaviors, and in his overall functional abilities. Craniosacral therapy is rooted in osteopathy. One of the core foundations is the understanding that structure and function are interrelated Releasing strain on the craniosacral system, improves how the brain functions; the neuro-destructive effects of chronic inflammation are also improved, and this allows for improved developmental outcomes. Susan Vaughan Kratz, OTR, CST-D wrote in The Autism File Magazine, that CST does not treat the behaviors of autism, it does, however, treat the brain dysfunction of autism. Future studies to examine treatments that help reduce symptoms in ASD and improve behavior are warranted. Quantifiable and behavioral outcomes carry the same importance when the quality of life is at stake. Case reports such as this one serve as support for craniosacral therapy.

5 This case report is not intended to reflect benefits to all individuals with autism. However, it recommends further cases studies, documentation, and research into the benefits of craniosacral therapy for autism clients. Works Consulted Bradstreet, J.J., Pacini, S., Ruggiero, M., A new methodology of viewing extra-axial fluid and cortical abnormalities in children with autism via transcranial ultrasonography. Front. Hum. Neurosci. 7, Upledger, J.E., Autism: observations, experiences, and concepts. An etiologic model for autism. In: Testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives 106 th Congress. April The Use of CranioSacral Therapy for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Benefits from viewpoints of Parents, Clients & Therapists, Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, Elsevier, LTD, Susan Vaughan Kratz, OTR, CST., Jane Kerr, Bsc, (Hons, MSP, HCP, Lorraine Porter, Bsc, (Hons) (2017) 21, Upledger, John E., D.O., F.A.A.O. (1983). Craniosacral Therapy. Seattle, WA: Eastland Press. Upledger, John E., D.O., F.A.A.O. (1987). Craniosacral Therapy II Beyond the Dura. Seattle, WA: Eastland Upledger, John E., D.O., O.M.M. (1990). Press. Your Inner Physician and You. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books Upledger, John E., D.O., O.M.M. (2001). CranioSacral Therapy: Touchstone for Natural Healing. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books Neuroglial activation and neuroinflammation in the brain of patients with autism. Vargas DL, Nascimbene C, Krishnan C, Zimmerman AW, Pardo CA Ann Neurol Jan; 57(1): Large brains in autism: the challenge of pervasive abnormality. Herbert MR

6 Neuroscientist Oct; 11(5): SomatoEmotional Release and Beyond. Palm Beach Gardens, FL: UI Publishing, Inc. Peeling, Becky, APR. (2003, Spring). SomatoEmotional Release: A Whole-Person Treatment. Dade Palms, 12. Retrieved from Upledger, John E., D.O., O.M.M. (1997).