Jennifer McIsaac, HHP, CCMH, CST

5252 Balboa Ave., Suite 706
San Diego, CA 92117
(619) 889-9912



CranioSacral Therapy



CranioSacral Therapy was developed by Osteopathic Physician, Dr. John E. Upledger and has its roots in Cranial Osteopathy. The basis of his techniques were formed while he was working as a professor of Biomechanics at Michigan State University. There, he was leading a team of anatomists, physiologists, biophysicists, and bioengineers to test the mechanical properties of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and meninges along with their bony attachments. These tissues are collectively referred to as the CranioSacral System.


The CranioSacral System is responsible for protecting the health of the brain and spinal cord. The cerebrospinal fluid delivers nutrients, hormones, and neurotransmitters to the cells of the nervous system. It also contains chelating agents that bind to metabolic wastes and toxins, aiding in their removal.


The meninges are 3 layered connective tissue membrane system that surround the brain and spinal cord. They form a semi-closed hydraulic system that facilitates the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid. They also help to resist physical forces such as those caused by a concussion, traumatic brain injury, whiplash, etc. that may cause harm to the delicate neural tissues. Recently, it has also been discovered that the meningeal system plays a role in regulating the passage of immune cells, toxins, pathogens, and debris from the brain to the cervical lymph nodes.


The techniques used in CranioSacral Therapy are very gentle. They work because they are precise. The right pressure, in the right place, at the right angle. The therapist feels for the source of the tensions, figures out which ones are primary and applies the appropriate amount of force in the appropriate direction.


In most cases additional therapies are incorporated into the session, including Visceral Manipulation, Neural Manipulation, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Myofascial Release, NeuroMuscular Therapies, as well as, Passive and Active Stretching techniques.



CranioSacral Therapy for Infants



CranioSacral Therapy has many applications. It is extremely helpful for infants who are experiencing breastfeeding issues, torticollis, reflux, plagiocephaly and overall tension.


Many parents experience problems with breastfeeding. In many cases the issues can be resolved by seeking assistance from a qualified lactation consultant. In some instances, however, the problems can stem from tensions in the baby's neck, jaw, tongue, shoulders or or the muscles along back. These tensions can can create problems affecting their ability to form and maintain an effective latch. Often they will bite down, chomp, pull on and off, have poor suction, have poor tongue control and range of motion, and they can become fussy during breastfeeding. It can also affect their ability to use a bottle or pacifier.


This can be frustrating for both parties. Efficient nursing requires a great deal of coordination in the various muscle groups and in the nervous system. If one link in the chain is weak, then the whole system can break down.


CranioSacral Therapy uses very precise techniques that work more directly to reduce tensions in the muscles and the nervous system, allowing their bodies to relax more, and to improve their range of motion in their neck, jaw and tongue. During my evaluation, I look for areas of tension and restriction. I look to see how they might be affecting the surrounding tissues. When I localize a restriction, I apply very gentle pressure. Usually the babies will begin to relax and move on their own to stretch the tight area.



Neural Manipulation Therapy



Neural Manipulation Therapy was developed by Osteopathic Physicians Jean Pierre Barral and Alain Croibier. The purpose of the therapy is to identify restrictions in and around the nerves of the body and to facilitate their release. The techniques combine precisely applied gentle pressure and passive movement to release the bound connective tissue surrounding the nerves to reduce the pressure and drag on the nerves, allowing them to glide more easily during movement.


When there is a restriction in or around a nerve, we say it is "fixed" and has lost the ability to glide or stretch (accommodating movement). When this happens, normal movements cause excess stretch and pressure on the nerve, causing pain. In addition, the intra-neural pressure can be increased, leading to interferences with the blood flow inside the nerve and/or conductivity of the nerve. This can lead to inflammation in the surrounding tissues, as well as fibrotic changes in the nerve itself.


In addition to causing localized pain, neural fixation can lead to maladaptive changes in the body to accommodate the restriction, which can lead to other patterns of somatic dysfunction.





Visceral Manipulation



Visceral Manipulation is a type of manual therapy that uses gentle, but specific manual forces to encourage normal mobility, vascularity, tone and pressure to the organs, their connective tissue, and their attachments. It works to improve the proprioceptive communication within the body, and to address restrictions in the ligamental structures that surround and support the organs of the body. These ligamental structures either directly or indirectly attach to the boney surfaces of the body and therefore can affect posture and joint mobility. In addition, restrictions to these support structures can affect blood and lymphatic flow to the organs.


The source of the restrictions can be from trauma, repetitive strain, surgery, infection, poor posture, wearing tool belts, protective gear, etc.



Manual Lymphatic Drainage



Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a hand-on technique that uses gentle, yet specific maneuvers to facilitate and/or restore the circulation of lymphatic and interstitial fluids. Through palpation, I can detect the specific rhythm, direction, quality and depth of the lymphatic flow. By mapping out the flow patterns, I can be more precise in how I can assist the body with its drainage.


The lymphatic system is comprised primarily of lymphatic vessels, which can vary in size and structure, as well as lymph nodes. There are a number of other structures, such as the tonsils, spleen, and the thymus gland that are also part of the lymphatic system. Together, these structures work to help us fight off infections, regenerate tissues, clean up damaged cells and tissues, filter out metabolic wastes, remove toxins, and other foreign substances.


This system can be compromised by infection, radiation, burns, surgery, crush injuries, fatigue and age. This can impact the health of the tissues. Manual Lymphatic Drainage works to improve the circulation in the lymphatic system, alleviating the stress on the system



Myofascial Release and Structural Integration



Fascia is a multilayered connective tissue matrix that encloses, protects and organizes the muscles and internal organs. It allows the muscles to slide over each other, enabling us to use one muscle without dragging the surrounding tissues with it. It has contractile fibers that can adjust to postural and movement-related strains, in an effort to support the enclosed tissues. Surgery, injuries, chronic inflammation, postural strain, and repetitive stress can affect the organization and function of the fascia. This can lead to pain, adhesions, reduced range of motion and somatic dysfunction.


Myofascial Release uses direct sustained pressure to release tensions and adhesions found in the fascia. It is designed to help reduce tension in the muscles and fascia, thereby improving local circulation, reducing pain and improving range of motion.


Structural Integration combines myofascial release with passive and active movements. This helps to educate the client regarding their own movement and postural patterns and to release the tissues according to their functional patterns






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