Investigation of the Effectiveness of Craniosacral Therapy in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled, Single-Blind Study
Investigation of the Effectiveness of Craniosacral Therapy in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled, Single-Blind Study
Although the cause of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), one of the common demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, has not yet been fully elucidated, autonomic nervous system dysfunction has been suggested in its etiology. Symptoms such as fatigue, problems with bladder, bowel, cardiovascular, sleep, sexual and sweating functions, abnormal sympathetic skin response or decreased heart rate variation support this hypothesis.
In the treatment of many neurological diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis, complementary medicine practices and non-traditional therapies have recently been shown to be effective in addition to conventional practices. One of these practices, craniosacral therapy (CST), uses manual palpation and manipulation of the craniosacral system to influence sensory, motor, cognitive and emotional processes in the nervous system. In addition, it is thought that applying external force to certain bone elements can have a positive effect on various symptoms in patients with MS, based on the knowledge that it can be transmitted within the system.
In addition to pharmacological treatments, many non-pharmacological treatment modalities such as physiotherapy applications, sleep hygiene training, relaxation techniques, behavioral therapy and cognitive therapies are used in the treatment of MS symptoms. Recently, complementary medicine practices and non-traditional therapies have been shown to be effective in the treatment of many neurological diseases, including MS. Among these methods, craniosacral therapy (CST) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of various neurological conditions affecting the central nervous system. CST is defined as an alternative, massage-like treatment approach using gentle manual force to address somatic dysfunctions of the head and the rest of the body. The interplay of diagnosis and treatment aims to mobilize cranial sutures that abnormally restrict physiological movement.
CST is an approach widely used in adults and children, in different clinical settings and conditions. Based on the knowledge that the application of external force to certain bony elements of this system can be transmitted within the system, it can be considered that craniosacral therapy may have a positive effect on various symptoms in patients with MS. In the light of the results obtained as a result of the study, CST may provide ideas to clinicians and researchers as an alternative and complementary method in the treatment of MS.
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