Craniosacral Therapy – Downtown Vancouver
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on treatment in which a trained therapist uses a very light touch, usually about 5 grams of pressure (roughly the weight of a nickel), on the head, spine and pelvis to release tension in the tissues around the brain and spinal cord. You stay fully clothed on a treatment table, and most people find it deeply calming.
At Electra Health, craniosacral therapy is offered by Registered Massage Therapist and Cranial Sacral Therapist Sue Caithness, inside our multidisciplinary clinic at 970 Burrard Street in downtown Vancouver.
Craniosacral therapy at Electra Health at a glance
- Who: Sue Caithness, RMT, Cranial Sacral Therapist
- Session length: 60 minutes. Your first visit includes an assessment as well as treatment.
- Price: $150 + GST for an initial or follow-up 60-minute session
- Coverage: Sue’s sessions are registered massage therapy appointments, and we bill most major insurers directly when your plan allows it.
- What to wear: comfortable, loose clothing. You stay fully clothed.
- Where: Electra Health, 970 Burrard Street, MZ1, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R4. Open 7 days a week, 7 AM to 9 PM.
Already seen Sue for craniosacral therapy? Book a follow-up session.
Your craniosacral therapists
Sue Caithness, RMT, Cranial Sacral Therapist completed a one-year diploma in Cranial Sacral Therapy at Langara College in 2011 and continues her training through Upledger Institute craniosacral therapy courses. She offers dedicated 60-minute craniosacral sessions and can bring craniosacral techniques into your regular massage appointments too.
Brad Dow, BA, RMT has taught craniosacral therapy as a practical instructor at West Coast College of Massage Therapy. Physiotherapists Maria Baljak, BSc (Kin), MPT, CAFCI, who includes craniosacral therapy and visceral manipulation among her treatment techniques, and Simina Toma, MPT, who is completing her Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy training, bring craniosacral techniques into physiotherapy sessions. Ask any of them about adding craniosacral work to your massage or physiotherapy appointment.
What happens during a craniosacral therapy session?
Your first visit starts with a health history and assessment, so your therapist understands what brought you in. You then lie on your back or side on a treatment table, fully clothed.
Using a light touch, your therapist feels for the rhythm of the craniosacral system at the head, spine and pelvis and notices where movement feels restricted. They then use gentle, hands-on techniques on the skull, spine, diaphragms and fascia to ease those areas of tension. The pressure stays light the whole time, so there’s nothing to brace against, and many people drift into a deep state of rest.
Craniosacral sessions at Electra are 60 minutes, booked online or through reception.
Why do people book craniosacral therapy?
People come to Electra for craniosacral therapy when they want a gentle, hands-on approach. Common reasons include:
- Chronic neck pain and back pain
- Headaches and migraines
- Jaw tension and TMJ concerns
- Stress, tension and trouble switching off
- Poor sleep
- Recovery after an injury or surgery
- Ongoing pain such as fibromyalgia or sciatica
- Menstrual pain and PMS
Because the pressure is so light, craniosacral therapy suits a wide range of people, including anyone who finds deeper massage too intense. If you’re not sure it’s the right fit, call us at 604-685-4325 and we’ll help you choose between craniosacral therapy, registered massage therapy, myofascial release and physiotherapy.
Craniosacral therapy and your extended health benefits
Sue’s craniosacral sessions are registered massage therapy appointments, so you can use your massage therapy benefits when your extended health plan allows it. We bill most major insurers directly at your appointment. Coverage, annual limits and the amount paid are set by your plan. See pricing and billing for details.
More from Electra Health: Physiotherapy · Registered massage therapy · Deep tissue massage
Craniosacral therapy FAQs
No. Craniosacral therapy uses a very light touch, usually about 5 grams of pressure, so most people find it calm and relaxing rather than uncomfortable.
Yes. You stay fully clothed for the whole session. Comfortable, loose clothing makes it easier to settle in on the treatment table.
No. A massage works the muscles with firmer, moving pressure, while craniosacral therapy uses very light, gentle holds at the head, spine and pelvis. At Electra, Sue Caithness offers it as a dedicated 60-minute registered massage therapy session.
Yes. Sue’s craniosacral sessions are registered massage therapy appointments, so your massage therapy benefits apply when your plan allows it, and we bill most major insurers directly.
No. You can book directly through Electra Health’s online booking. Some extended health plans ask for a doctor’s note before they reimburse massage therapy, so it’s worth checking yours.
Yes. Craniosacral sessions with Sue are 60 minutes, and your first visit includes an assessment as well as treatment.