Craniosacral Therapy

We are not aware of any comprehensive listing of Craniosacral practitioners in the USA.  What we have been able to find thus far are partial listings, compiled by different organizations, each with an interest in CST.  These are no overarching requirements or certifications for CST practitioners – in many states, anyone can claim to be a craniosacral worker, even without suitable training or credentials.  Here are two relatively safe and reliable ways to find a CST practitioner:

• A physician who practices craniosacral therapy,(usually a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine, a DO) or
• Some practitioners with suitable credentials from The Upledger Institute – a Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), nurse, or other health care professional.

Accordingly, here are two lists, one from the Osteopathic Cranial Academy, and the second with candidates who have been credentialed by the Upledger Institute, the premier School of CST.

The Osteopathic Cranial Academy: DO’s and Dentists who practice within the cranio field:

To find a physician:  http://cranialacademy.org/find-a-physician/

The American Craniosacral Therapy Association: Endorsed by the Upledger Institute

To find a practitioner:  http://www.iahp.com/pages/search/index.php#result

NOTE:

Please read our Disclaimer Page again before using this resource guide.  There are no definitive, uniformly accepted standards for persons claiming to offer alternative therapies.  In some states anyone can hang out a shingle, even without suitable training or credentials, and claim to be a craniosachral worker, neuro-feedback practitioner, nutritionist or other therapist.  To address this critical pitfall we have consulted acknowledged thought leaders in each field, followed their guidance, and presented lists of practitioners that are likely to be well qualified.

Even then there are no guarantees. One should seek a frank discussion with each prospective physician or therapist in order to explore their background.  How long have they been practicing their specialty?  What prior experience do they have in treating patients with brain injuries?  Can they offer references or testimonials?   Nothing is 100 percent effective, not even aspirin or acetaminophen.  With alternative therapies, as with mainstream approaches, there is always an element of chance, luck, randomness.  What works brilliantly for one survivor, may not work for another, and we may never know why.  All one can do is try one’s best, and hope to be lucky.

We are unable to make specific referrals – not only for liability reasons, but also because we don’t personally know most of the practitioners. Please review their information posted and then call prospects to inquire how they might help your personal condition.  Most physicians and therapists will let you know if they feel they can help, or will offer an alternate suggestion.