How Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) Supports Infants, Children, and Adults
If your baby struggles with feeding or sleep, your child experiences headaches or mouth breathing, or you carry lingering tension from injury or stress, the root cause may not be where symptoms show up. At Archer Physical Therapy, we look deeper at how the body is connected as a whole. One gentle yet highly effective approach we offer is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy, often called CFT.
CFT is a hands on modality designed to reduce tension, improve mobility, and support the nervous system by addressing restrictions in the fascia and craniosacral system.
What Is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy?
Craniosacral Fascial Therapy is a gentle technique that focuses on the interconnectivity of the craniosacral system and the fascial system throughout the body. It blends principles from craniosacral therapy, myofascial release, and specialized dental techniques.
Rather than forcing change, CFT works by allowing the body to unwind tension naturally. This makes it especially well suited for infants, children, and anyone seeking a calm, non invasive approach to healing.
Why Fascia Matters More Than You Think
Fascia is the body’s connective tissue network. It surrounds and supports muscles, organs, nerves, the brain, and the spinal cord. Think of it as a continuous web that links everything together.
Because fascia is fully interconnected, tension in one area such as the jaw or mouth can create restrictions elsewhere in the body. This is why symptoms often appear far from the original source of tension.
““Fascia connects the entire body. Releasing tension in one area can create change everywhere.””
Fascia can become restricted due to birth, trauma, injury, dental work, or repetitive stress. When this happens, it can limit movement and affect how the nervous system functions.
The Role of the Craniosacral System
The craniosacral system includes the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that flow from the brain down the spinal cord and back. This fluid plays a critical role in protecting the nervous system and supporting overall health.
Fascial tension can interfere with this flow, contributing to discomfort, dysfunction, or delayed development. Craniosacral Fascial Therapy works to gently release these restrictions, supporting improved circulation, mobility, and nervous system regulation.
Who Can Benefit From Craniosacral Fascial Therapy?
CFT is safe and effective for newborns through adults. It is commonly used as a standalone treatment or integrated with traditional physical therapy at Archer Physical Therapy.
Infants who may benefit from CFT include those experiencing:
Poor sleep
Breastfeeding or latch challenges
Gas, constipation, or reflux
Oral ties
Torticollis
Cranial asymmetry or distortion
Children may benefit from CFT if they experience:
Mouth breathing
Bedwetting
Headaches
Ongoing tension or postural concerns
Gentle Care for Growing Bodies
One of the most powerful aspects of Craniosacral Fascial Therapy is how gentle it is. Sessions are calm, supportive, and adapted to each patient’s needs. This makes CFT especially valuable for babies and children, while still offering meaningful benefits for adults.
I am delighted to offer Craniosacral Fascial Therapy at Archer Physical Therapy, either on its own or paired with traditional physical therapy, to help guide even the youngest patients on their path to healing.