Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) for Children with Complex Disabilities — What Parents Should Know

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Families raising children with complex neurodevelopmental needs—such as Cerebral Palsy (CP), Hydrocephalus, genetic syndromes, or mixed tone disorders—often build a care team that spans neurology, rehabilitation, therapy, and complementary supports. One gentle, hands-on approach some families explore is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT).

This article explains what CFT is, how it might fit into your child’s care plan, what it doesn’t replace, and an important safety note for children with shunts.

Please note: CFT is not a cure for CP or other neurologic diagnoses, and it should not replace medical care, equipment, or evidence-based therapies. What it can offer is a mind-body-aware, comfort-centered complement focused on ease and function. Always consult your child’s medical team before adding any new therapy.

What is CFT?

CFT—sometimes called the Gillespie Approach—combines gentle craniosacral and myofascial release principles. It views the craniosacral system (brain, spinal cord, membranes, and fluids) and the body-wide fascial web as an interconnected system. Through light, sustained touch, the therapist aims to release tension and encourage freer movement and regulation throughout the body.

At Warm Heart Parenting, our CFT sessions are child-led and nervous-system-aware. Especially when working with infants and children, we prioritize consent cues, pacing, and co-regulation with caregivers—creating a safe and responsive experience that honors each child’s signals.

Why might families of children with CP (or similar diagnoses) consider CFT?

Children with CP often experience differences in muscle tone, posture, movement, feeding, breathing, and sensory processing. While CFT does not alter the underlying brain injury, some families and clinicians observe improvements in comfort and participation—possibly through reduced fascial tension and improved autonomic regulation.

Areas where gentle fascial release may help include:

• Comfort & body ease: Reducing fascial or muscle tension can ease discomfort and improve range of motion.

• Feeding & oral function: Releasing tightness around the jaw, tongue, and neck may support latch, jaw relaxation, and swallowing comfort.

• Sleep & regulation: Light-touch work may help settle the nervous system and support more consistent rest.

• Posture & breathing: Freeing restrictions in the ribs or diaphragm may enhance comfort during therapy and daily routines.

  
  

What does a CFT session look like?

• Sessions use extremely gentle, low-force touch—about the weight of a nickel.

• Children remain fully clothed and are positioned for comfort: on a table, mat, caregiver’s lap, or supported seating.

• Sessions are child-directed, allowing for breaks, movement, or co-regulation as needed.

• We work in collaboration with your child’s PT, OT, or SLP to align with existing goals like easier diaper changes, more relaxed positioning, or calmer transitions.

  
  

What does (and doesn’t) the evidence say?

CFT is described as a low-risk, integrative therapy designed to reduce fascial tension and support comfort. Research specific to pediatric CP is still limited, and outcomes vary widely between children. Families should approach CFT as a complementary addition—not a replacement for conventional medical or therapeutic care.

Safety first: the shunt consideration

If your child has a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt, such as a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt for hydrocephalus, we currently do not provide CFT at our clinic. This precaution reflects our commitment to safety when intracranial pressure may be involved. Always consult your neurosurgeon before pursuing any craniosacral or body-based therapies.

How CFT fits into your child’s wider care plan

Think of CFT as a comfort-forward adjunct that supports daily participation and ease. It may make other therapies—like stretching, feeding, or positioning—more comfortable and effective. At Warm Heart Parenting, we coordinate with your child’s therapists and equipment providers to ensure CFT fits smoothly into your care plan.

What parents often notice

• A child seems more relaxed—looser hands, softer facial tone, calmer breathing.

• Daily routines like dressing, diapering, or car-seat transitions feel less tense.

• Subtle, meaningful improvements—smoother feeding routines, calmer sleep onset, better therapy tolerance.

  
  

Getting started

1. Talk to your care team. Share this article with your pediatrician, physiatrist, or neurosurgeon—especially if your child has a shunt or recent neurosurgical history.

2. Schedule a discovery call. We’ll discuss your child’s medical background, sensory preferences, and goals to determine whether CFT is a good fit.

3. Integrate, don’t replace. We coordinate with your existing providers, so CFT complements your trusted plan of care.

   
   

At Warm Heart Parenting, we believe every small step toward comfort and ease matters. You’re not alone in this journey—gentle, responsive care can make a meaningful difference for your child and family.

Dr. Rebecca Turkel is the Owner of Warm Heart Parenting LLC located in Natick, MA.  She is a Craniosacral Fascial Therapist, Licensed Pediatric Physical Therapist, Certified Early Intervention Specialist, Certified Educator of Infant Massage, Certified in Neonatal Behavior Observation, and Integrative Breastfeeding Educator. 

Dr. Turkel has over 19 years’ experience working with families in an Early Intervention setting as a Developmental Specialist and Physical Therapist as well as 15 years’ experience working at Boston Children's Hospital as a Physical Therapist.