Upledger Institute Case Study. Tami Goldstein, WLMT, CST T, BCTMB

Transcription

1 Upledger Institute Case Study CranioSacral Therapy Autism/ Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) Introduction Case Report: Travis Tami Goldstein, WLMT, CST T, BCTMB Craniosacral therapy has been shown to help individuals with autism. Craniosacral therapy was developed in the mid 70 s by Dr. John E. Upledger. His foundational treatments involved individuals with severe autism. The craniosacral system anatomy includes the brain, the meninges membrane system that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, the bones of the skull, face, mouth, and spine down to the sacrum. 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 primary focus of craniosacral therapy is to enhance membrane motion, which improves cerebrospinal fluid movement. 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 clinical findings and behavioral improvement supporting the use of craniosacral therapy for autism treatment. The intention of this case report, entitled Travis is to present what occurred for one individual on the autism spectrum. History Provided by the Mother

2 Travis was born September 23, He was born healthy. He was diagnosed at age 2 with Pervasive Developmental Disorder, (PDD). PDD at the time was considered to be at the lower-functioning range of high-functioning autism. At age 8, his diagnosis changed to high-functioning autism. Travis received occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT) and speech and language therapy(slp) through the county s Birth to 3 programs; this continued in the Pre- K program. The school district provided OT, PT and SLP services for Travis after he turned 5. All costs were completely covered by healthcare insurance and the programs offered by the county. Mom brought Travis for craniosacral therapy because he complained of stomach pain, had a continual habit of clearing his throat, was coughing regularly, and complained of frequent headaches. All medical tests came back negative for any cause of the symptoms. Evaluation and Treatment 1 session per month between October 22, 2012, and April 12, 2018, totaling 60 sessions. The final 2 sessions were multi-hand treatments, with 2 therapists per each onehour session. Palpation of and monitoring the CSR (craniosacral rhythm), 10-step protocol, arcing, fascial glide, and positional tissue release were utilized for evaluation and treatment. Fascial restrictions to various degrees were most restrictive around the pelvic and hyoid diaphragms. Fascial restrictions around organs, osseous and membranous restriction patterns and reduced fluid movement were noted. Initial sessions reflected: Osseous restrictions in the frontal, parietal, sphenoid, and temporal bones,

3 Asymmetry was evident throughout Travis body. His right foot laid laterally on the table, his right hip was elevated, off the table, in anterior rotation and elevated superiorly; his anterior inferior thoracic ribs were uneven with the right side elevated and flared laterally, his left shoulder was anteriorly rotated, the thoracic sternal intercostal joints were restricted, facilitated segments T 2- T5, and his head tilted to the right. Travis frontal bones were uneven both superiorly and anteriorly, the pterion point was compressed on the left, the sphenoid reflected a osseous restriction, with left side bending, left torsion, right lateral strain. Travis s CSR was out of sync with the hard pallet and vomer and reflected restriction throughout. Outcomes Fascial restrictions reduced, facilitated segment reduced. Travis exhibited greater symmetry throughout his body. Osseous restrictions were reduced and/or eliminated; membranous restriction was reduced or resolved. Sphenoid movement increased. Travis exhibited clear flexion/extension movement with a slight lateral strain. There was an increase in fluid movement. Travis stopped complaining that his stomach hurt. Travis greatly reduced, and for periods of time of up to three months, stopped clearing his throat and or coughing. Travis stopped having frequent headaches; occasional headaches are believed to be weather-related. Headaches, as reported by Travis family, occur in late fall, early spring, or with sudden drops in barometric pressure. Travis showed marked improvement with the two therapists facilitating multi-hand therapy during the final 2 sessions included in this case report. Perceived Behavioral Outcomes Observed by Mother, Client, and Therapist

4 Travis is more engaged. He is more willing to engage in conversation with the therapist. Mom believes Travis is less rigid and exhibits greater willingness to try new things or adapt to a change in his schedule. Travis s eating habits have improved; he is willing to try new foods. Travis socialization skills and abilities in a variety of environments have increased. Mom believes Travis quality of life has improved Discussion In her review of the brain abnormalities in ASD, MR Hebert wrote that the autistic brain is not simply wired differently, but that neuro-inflammation is a part of the pathology in autism from childhood through adulthood. Her comments appear in Large brains in autism: the challenge of pervasive abnormality. 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. Recommendations to increase the frequency of CST Travis receives and to explore additional multi-hands / intensive programs have been made to the family. 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. Quantifiable and behavioral outcomes carry the same importance when the quality of life is at stake. Anecdotal data reflects support for craniosacral therapy. This case report is not intended to benefit 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

5 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, Neuroscientist Oct; 11(5): SomatoEmotional Release and Beyond. Palm Beach Gardens, FL: UI Publishing, Inc. Peeling, Becky, APR. (2003, Spring).

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