Where to get CFT done in Nashville

What Is Craniosacral Fascial Therapy — and Could It Help Your Family?

Whether you have a colicky newborn, a toddler with feeding challenges, or you've been carrying chronic neck or back pain for years — there's a gentle, evidence-informed therapy that works for the whole family. We're excited to share that our team is trained in Craniosacral Fascial Therapy (CFT) using the Gillespie Approach.

So, What Exactly Is CFT?

Craniosacral Fascial Therapy is a hands-on approach that combines craniosacral, myofascial, and oral techniques to release restrictions in the body's fascial system — the web of connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, organ, nerve, and bone. By working with the body's natural craniosacral rhythm, CFT helps restore motion, reduce tension, and support healthy nervous system function.

The touch is exceptionally light — roughly 5 grams of pressure, about the weight of a nickel. That makes it suitable for patients from newborns to older adults, and for conditions where more forceful approaches aren't appropriate.

The Gillespie Approach — developed by Dr. Barry Gillespie beginning in 1977 — is considered a gold standard in CFT training. Our practitioners have completed comprehensive certification in this method, which integrates decades of refinement and a deep respect for the body's self-correcting abilities.

For Babies and Young Children

Some of the most compelling applications of CFT are in pediatric care. Birth — even uncomplicated birth — places significant forces on a baby's skull, neck, and soft tissues. Those tensions can linger, showing up as colic, difficulty latching, neck tightness (torticollis), asymmetrical head shape (plagiocephaly), sleep disruption, or general fussiness.

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS

CLINICAL RESEARCH

A randomized controlled trial published in PubMed enrolled 58 colicky infants and compared craniosacral therapy against no treatment. By day 24, the therapy group had significantly fewer daily crying hours, more sleep, and lower colic severity — particularly for infants who received two to three sessions.

A case report in the International Journal of Zoology, Botany and Therapeutics described an 8-week-old with colic whose symptoms improved following pediatric-adapted craniosacral therapy targeting cranial compression and cervical tightness from birth. Clinical practice articles in PedsTeam document how CFT is used across the full spectrum of infant and childhood concerns, from newborn recovery through school-age motor and sensory challenges.

A large survey study in PubMed covering more than 5,400 pediatric chiropractic visits found high rates of reported improvement in presenting complaints — consistent with the well-established safety profile of gentle pediatric manual care. The American Chiropractic Association has noted that serious adverse events with pediatric manual therapy are exceedingly rare, and has highlighted research showing crying time in colicky infants decreased significantly more with chiropractic care than without.

CONDITIONS WE COMMONLY SEE IN INFANTS AND CHILDREN

Infants (0–12 months)

  • Colic and excessive fussiness

  • Feeding difficulties and poor latch

  • Torticollis and neck tightness

  • Plagiocephaly (head shape)

  • Sleep disruption

  • Tongue and lip tie tension

  • Birth trauma recovery

Toddlers and children

  • Developmental and motor delays

  • Sensory processing challenges

  • Postural strain and tension

  • Digestive discomfort

  • Behavioral concerns

  • General wellness support

CFT is safe for even the most sensitive babies. The ultra-gentle touch — and the fact that we integrate craniosacral work with chiropractic care — means we can support the developing nervous system in a way that's both effective and deeply comfortable for infants.

For Adults

CFT isn't only for little ones. Adults dealing with chronic pain, headaches, TMJ dysfunction, stress-related tension, or post-surgical recovery can benefit significantly from fascial release work. The same approach that calms a colicky baby also addresses deep-seated restrictions in adults that standard treatments may not fully resolve.

WHAT THE RESEARCH SAYS

CLINICAL RESEARCH

A randomized clinical trial in PubMed comparing chiropractic care, muscle relaxants, and placebo for acute low back pain found chiropractic adjustments were more effective than both placebo and muscle relaxants for reducing overall severity. A PLOS ONE randomized trial in adults with spinal pain examined whether 12 weeks of chiropractic care influences neurophysiological biomarkers — including brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cortisol — suggesting that the effects of manual care may extend well beyond the musculoskeletal system.

When integrated with chiropractic care (as we offer at our clinic), CFT can enhance the effectiveness of adjustments, help address the fascial restrictions that often drive compensatory movement patterns, and support lasting relief rather than short-term symptom management.

CONDITIONS WE COMMONLY TREAT IN ADULTS

  • Chronic pain syndromes

  • Headaches and migraines

  • TMJ and jaw dysfunction

  • Sleep apnea and sleep disorders

  • Stress and anxiety-related conditions

  • Post-surgical and post-injury rehabilitation

  • Neck and back pain

  • General wellness and prevention

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Session length 15–30 minutes, often integrated with your chiropractic visit

Touch level Approximately 5 grams — lighter than a feather resting on skin

Number of sessions Acute issues often respond in 3–6 sessions; many patients notice improvements after the first visit

Side effects Occasionally mild fatigue or emotional release as the body integrates changes — typically resolves within 24–48 hours

Combining therapies CFT integrates beautifully with chiropractic adjustments, soft tissue work, and other care you may already be receiving

For babies Infant-specific training ensures we work safely with your baby's developing system — most babies relax deeply or fall asleep during treatment

Carlee Brockman