| What is CranioSacral Therapy (CST)?
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system -- comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
CST was pioneered and developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger following extensive scientific studies from 1975 to 1983 at Michigan State University, where he served as a clinical researcher and professor of biomechanics.
Using a soft touch generally no greater than 5 grams, or about the weight of a nickel, practitioners release restrictions in the craniosacral system to improve the functioning of the central nervous system.
By complementing the body's natural healing processes, CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and is effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.
Who are the practitioners at The Upledger Clinic?
The Upledger Clinic staff is a diverse group of professionals that includes osteopathic physicians, occupational therapists, massage therapists, acupuncturists, chiropractic physicians and counselors. All practitioners have been carefully selected for their abilities, sensibilities and dedication to the philosophy and ethical principles held by The Upledger Institute.
What are the hours of operation at the Upledger Clinic?
The Upledger Clinic has appointments available from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday, and 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday. To schedule an appointment please call 561-622-4706.
How long will my appointment last?
Our normal appointments last from 45 to 60 minutes. Some can be 2 to 3 hours, if desired. Please be sure to discuss your individual needs when you call for an appointment.
What is your fee schedule?
Most initial individual appointments are $125. Intensive therapy programs are $4,000 for each 5 day program. (see question 11 for more information). The Ruth M. Smith Dolphin Assisted Therapy Program is $4500 for each 4-day program, held in Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. (see question below for more information).
Do you accept insurance?
Over the years, CST has become increasingly recognized as an effective treatment for many types of conditions and dysfunction's. As such, some treatments may be reimbursable by your insurance carrier. We are glad to provide you with a receipt for your treatment so that you can submit it to your insurance carrier. We ask that payment be made to us at the time services are rendered.
What can I give to my insurance carrier to help with coverage?
A prescription from your primary care physician with your diagnosis code and a written description of CST can be helpful with insurance coverage.
What if I need financial assistance?
The charitable, nonprofit Upledger Foundation offers a limited amount of financial assistance to patients in need. Please call the Upledger Foundation at 561-622-3888 to request an application. Once we receive your completed application, a response generally takes about 6 weeks.
How often does someone need CST sessions?
Since no two people have the same needs, each person is treated as an individual. The first step is to be evaluated by one of our therapists. Our priority is to listen to and evaluate your body. We also consider your symptoms as you describe them, along with any previous diagnoses. We can then sit down together to discuss the treatment program that best suits you as an individual.
How long will it take before I know if CST is helping?
The positive effects of CST can be quite pronounced. The light touch we use can actually induce the "spontaneous" release of accumulated tensions in any part of the body. This release often allows the healing process to begin. If the source of dysfunction is within the craniosacral system itself, noticeable improvement may be achieved after the first visit.
For those undergoing CST for health maintenance, there may be an overall sensation of simply feeling better after a session. The length of time it takes to know if CST has helped you is all based on your individual bodily needs and particular circumstances. What is an intensive therapy program?
Intensive therapy programs represent some of the most innovative healthcare currently available anywhere. Each program is limited to just four participants and features a select team of clinicians comprised of Upledger Clinic staff and skilled visiting therapists. Using CST as the mainstay, they work with patients both in one-on-one and multiple-therapist sessions to address the specific health concerns of each individual.
Once the source of a patient's problem is isolated, the therapists often combine CST with other therapies to facilitate the most effective results. Participants also take part in daily group discussions. Plus, attending family members and/or caregivers receive support and training in applications they can continue at home. Program lengths vary between one and two weeks.
What is the Ruth M. Smith Dolphin-Assisted Therapy program?
The Ruth M. Smith Dolphin-Assisted Therapy intensive programs are 4-day intensive programs featuring select teams of therapists working together to address the specific health concerns of each individual, in the lovely setting of Freeport, Grand Bahama Island.
Participants will spend time each day in multiple-therapist sessions in the water where dolphins are present and free to interact with the group as they wish. The remainder of the day will be multi-therapist sessions either on land or in the water. The cost per person is $4,500 plus all expenses such as travel, hotel, transportation and meals. The 2006 schedule of classes which will be held in Freeport, Bahamas include:
- 6/12/08
- 7/17/08
- 7/24/08
- 8/14/08
- 8/21/08
What is a visiting therapist and what are the eligibility requirements?
Practitioners trained in CST have the opportunity to work for extended periods of time at the Upledger Clinic in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. We call these practitioners visiting therapists. Before being considered for this program, therapists must complete advanced coursework in CST and demonstrate extensive clinical experience that is comparable to that of our staff clinicians. They must also first take part in our extern program, where they are evaluated and must be approved by Upledger Clinic staff clinicians.
What is an extern?
Externs work at the Upledger Clinic for a given period of time under the supervision of staff clinicians. It is an excellent opportunity for CST practitioners to observe other clinicians at work and to deepen their skills.
To be eligible, therapists must first successfully complete coursework through SomatoEmotional Release I and be approved by our staff.
What is a clinic endorsement program?
A clinic endorsement program offers Upledger-trained therapists the opportunity to affiliate their clinics with The Upledger Institute in a way that distinguishes them for their CST training and services. Additional information is available by clicking on this link: http://www.upledger.com/clinic/endorse.htm
Where is The Upledger Clinic located?
The address is 11211 Prosperity Farms Road, Suite D-223, Palm Beach Gardens, FL.
From I 95, take exit 79A/PGA Blvd, East. From the FL Turnpike, take exit 109/PGA Blvd and head east. Continue east on PGA Blvd to Prosperity Farms Road. Turn right (south) and proceed for 2/10ths of a mile. The office complex is on the right side (look for red tiles on the walls flanking the entry driveway). The Upledger Clinic is located on the 2nd floor of Bldg. D, on your left as you enter the office complex. An elevator is available for your convenience. Parking is free, easily accessible and located directly in front of the building. Handicap spaces are designated. Our phone number is 561-622-4706.
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