Research in CST

One of the challenges for therapists in complementary medicine is in doing research that provides an evidence base. Part of the challenge comes because we don't treat all of the people with similar symptoms the same way, because we may use or combine different approaches and also because we don't have huge sums of money to throw at the problem. However, Dr Upledger did do alot of research into the physical techniques when he was at Michigan State University. He was asked there to research what was happening, if anything, when cranial osteopaths carried out their techniques. Much of what he learned and the research he carried out with others is recorded in the appendices of his book CranioSacral Therapy. There were also numerous publications in osteopathic journals in the 70s and 80s which can be hard to find copies of today. However, on this page you will find a mix of some of the older and more up to date research that has been going on. 

Most recently (to my knowledge today that is) an outcome study was published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in Jan 2011. This was spearheaded by Rachel Harrison and John Page and involved a number of different therapists presenting outcome data under a set of criteria. You can read a shortened version here: OUTCOME STUDY.

Get Involved

Currently Caro O'Neill is co-ordinating a continuation of this study and needs the co-operation of practitioners. If you are SER2 trained and above, or SER1 but regularly attend a study group and use the work in your practice, you can get involved. The study involves a committment to asking the next 10 patients you see for CST to fill in a BASELINE QUESTIONAIRE at the start of their treatments and an OUTCOME QUESTIONAIRE after 6 sessions, or fewer if they cease treatment before that. Here is the INTRODUCTORY LETTER that explains the details and the forms you need are linked to above - please do get involved if you are interested.

Other Research  - Links to Abstracts or Papers

We will continue to update this as time goes on so do check back - and let us know if you find anything that is relevant or interesting for other practitioners.

 

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