What Is Infant Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT)?
CFT is a therapeutic technique that integrates principles from both craniosacral therapy and myofascial release. It focuses on identifying and relieving tension or restrictions in the craniosacral system and fascial tissue of an infant’s body. This therapy is often used to support a baby’s physical, neurological, and emotional development by restoring balance and ease of movement.
The craniosacral system includes the membranes and fluids surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Any restrictions in this system can affect the central nervous system and overall body function. Meanwhile, fascia is a connective tissue that surrounds the entire body, supporting muscles, bones, nerves, and organs. Since fascia is interconnected throughout the body, tight or restricted fascia can lead to discomfort, asymmetries, and impaired function.
How Does CFT Work for Infants?
CFT is a gentle, hands-on method. It involves looking for and feeling areas of tightness or imbalance in a baby’s body. Practitioners use light touch—no more than the weight of a nickel—to release fascial restrictions by following the natural rhythm and movement of the baby’s body.
A key aspect of this therapy is that it is guided by the baby. The practitioner listens to the baby’s body to determine where tension exists and how best to encourage release. Since the approach is incredibly gentle and non-invasive, it is safe and comfortable for infants. CFT sessions can take place while the baby is sleeping, nursing, engaging in tummy time, or lying on their side—whichever position is most comfortable and effective.
Common Areas of Tension in Infants
Tightness and restrictions can occur anywhere in an infant’s body, but there are some common areas where tension is often found:
Head and Neck: Tension in this area can contribute to head-turn preferences, difficulty nursing, and conditions like torticollis (tight neck muscles leading to head tilts).
Jaw and Mouth: Restrictions in this region can affect an infant’s ability to open their mouth fully, move their tongue efficiently, and latch properly for feeding.
Shoulders and Spine: Tension here can contribute to feeding difficulties and discomfort with certain positions.
Hips, Legs, and Toes: Because fascia is interconnected, restrictions in one area of the body can impact other regions, potentially affecting movement and comfort.
By addressing these fascial restrictions, CFT helps improve overall mobility, symmetry, and function in infants.
How Can CFT Support Feeding and Tongue-Tie Assessments?
One of the most common reasons parents seek CFT for their babies is feeding difficulties. When infants have fascial tension in their jaw, neck, or mouth, it can restrict their ability to latch effectively and move their tongue properly. This may result in inefficient feeding, discomfort, and frustration for both the baby and the parents.
CFT can help release tension under the tongue, around the jaw, and in the surrounding fascial tissue, allowing for better tongue movement and a more efficient latch. Additionally, CFT can support healthcare providers in determining whether a baby has a true tongue tie by distinguishing between fascial restrictions and a tight frenulum. By releasing tension before an assessment, providers can get a clearer picture of whether a tongue-tie release procedure is necessary.
How Can CFT Help with Plagiocephaly and Torticollis?
Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome) and torticollis are common concerns for infants. These conditions are often linked to fascial restrictions that create imbalances in movement and posture. CFT can help improve proper alignment of the skull and body by releasing tension around the head, neck, and shoulders.
Additionally, releasing tension near the base of the skull can support the nervous system, promoting better regulation and calmness. This can also have a positive impact on sleep and overall well-being.
Can CFT Help with Reflux and Digestive Discomfort?
Reflux, excessive spit-up, and digestive discomfort can sometimes be linked to fascial restrictions in the abdomen and pelvis. Tension in these areas may affect digestion and contribute to discomfort after feeding. While multiple factors can cause reflux, CFT can help by reducing fascial restrictions that may be contributing to these symptoms. By gently releasing tension in the abdominal region, babies may experience improved digestion and decreased reflux episodes.
Who Can Benefit from CFT?
CFT can benefit a wide range of infants, particularly those experiencing:
Body tension and asymmetry: Babies with shrugged shoulders, deep neck creases, or a C-shaped body may have tight fascia. This tightness can affect how they move.
Feeding difficulties: Whether due to tongue-tie, latch issues, or overall body tension, CFT can help improve feeding mechanics.
Post-Tongue-Tie Release Recovery: Releasing fascial tension before and after a tongue-tie revision can enhance the procedure’s effectiveness and improve tongue mobility.
Torticollis and Plagiocephaly: By addressing whole-body fascial restrictions, CFT can support proper head positioning and alignment.
General discomfort and sleep disturbances: Some babies experience restlessness and difficulty sleeping due to fascial tightness. CFT can help improve relaxation and comfort.
Delays in motor skills: If a baby has trouble rolling, sitting, or crawling, tight fascia might be a reason. CFT can help release restrictions that may be limiting movement.
A Personalized Approach to Infant Wellness
Every baby is unique, and so is their experience with fascial tension. CFT is an individualized approach that adapts to the specific needs of each baby. Practitioners assess movement, identify restrictions, and gently guide the baby’s body toward greater ease and mobility.
The Gentle Power of CFT for Your Baby
Infant Craniosacral Fascial Therapy is a gentle, non-invasive way to help babies feel more comfortable, feed more effectively, and develop with greater ease. CFT helps the body work better by addressing fascial restrictions. It promotes relaxation and improves an infant’s ability to move freely.
If you are in the New Hampshire area and would like to learn more or schedule a session, I would love to work with you and your baby to help them feel their best. You can also schedule a discovery call or book an appointment directly here.
Thank you for reading! Don’t forget to share this post with other parents and caregivers who may benefit from learning about CFT.