Unpublished MSc thesis, Touro College, 2000/01, , type of study: ,css,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

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Keywords:

awareness [29]
children [321]
cranio-sacral osteopathy [231]
cross sectional study [894]
pediatrics [573]
physicians [334]

Abstract:

Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a non-invasive, hands-on technique that is becoming a popular form of alternative therapy used with children and adults. Although it originated from osteopathic medicine, CST is currently being implemented into treatment sessions among occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals. This study surveyed a randomized sample of 250 pediatric occupational therapists (OT's) nationwide regarding the demographics, awareness, attitudes and utilization of CST. In regard to the awareness of CST, several interesting findings were found. 72% of the respondents claimed to be aware of CST. Chronological age did not play a role in the awareness with CST. However, it was found that the OT's with more years of experience were less likely to be aware of CST. In regard to the attitudes toward CST, it was found that a little less than half of the respondents felt a positive reaction toward CST and felt children would benefit from this type of treatment. In regard to the utilization of CST, eleven OT's claimed to currently administer CST. Of these respondents it was found that chronological age and years of experience did not play a role in the utilization of CST. 80% of the respondents claimed to incorporate a functional activity between 50% to 100% of the time when using CST. The most common diagnosis treated with CST was found to be cerebral palsy. Half of the respondents that utilize CST reported that the lack of scientific research affects their perceived effectiveness of this technique. 70% of the respondents felt that recovery was more complete when using CST than with any other form of treatment.