Cranial Sacral Therapy: HSA Eligibility

What is cranial sacral therapy?

Cranial sacral therapy, also known as craniosacral therapy or CST, is a form of complementary and alternative medicine that utilizes noninvasive techniques along the bones of the head, spinal column and sacrum to release compression in these zones as a means of pain and stress relief. CST has roots in a major discovery by osteopath Dr. William Sutherland, who found that skull sutures were designed to express small degrees of motion, which he theorized are closely tied to interrelated tissues and fluids like cerebrospinal fluid, the spinal column and the central nervous system (Healthline).

After these initial discoveries in the field of cranial osteopathy, CST was developed in the 1970s by osteopath John Upledger, who believed that tiny manual manipulations of the head, back and pelvic area can play a role in regulating the circulation and pressure of the body's cerebrospinal fluid, as well as restore the natural positioning of these bones to ease stress and discomfort from chronic pain.

What does cranial sacral therapy treat?

Cranial sacral therapy is often considered a form of massage therapy, but one that focuses on the areas that are directly affected by the spinal column. This touch therapy focuses on these zones through gentle manipulation of these areas to relieve built up pressure, and it's typically conducted by individuals who are trained in massage therapy.

Cranial sacral therapy has been used to treat a wide variety of potential medical conditions, such as migraines, chronic neck and back pain and joint inflammation, as well as helping to relax muscles, relieve stress and improve flexibility and range of motion (Medical News Today).

How do I obtain a Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) for cranial sacral therapy?

A Letter of Medical Necessity (LMN) from a medical professional for cranial sacral therapy is necessary for reimbursement with most benefits providers to ensure that it is necessary for the treatment of a medical condition. This letter must outline how an account holder's medical condition necessitates cranial sacral therapy, how the treatment will be used to alleviate the issue and how long the treatment will last.