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The Posture Perfect Physiotherapy Clinic logo

Hands-on, specialised care

Craniosacral Therapy.

Craniosacral Therapy is a very light-touch approach applied to the head, spine and sacrum. At our clinic it is offered only after a full assessment, as one part of a wider plan and never as a stand-alone cure.

  • Assessment-led care
  • Opera House, Mumbai
  • Personalised plans
  • With Dr. Akshay Bandekar
Physiotherapist demonstrating a gentle movement with a fully clothed patient

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

In Craniosacral Therapy, the clinician rests their hands very lightly on areas such as the head, neck, spine or the base of the spine (the sacrum), and follows subtle changes in the tissues under their hands. The pressure is minimal, often described as no more than the weight of the hands.

Practitioners describe the approach as releasing tension in the tissues around the head and spine. It is important to be honest that the idea of a measurable craniosacral rhythm is not supported by strong scientific evidence, and that the research on the benefits of this therapy is limited and of mixed quality. Many people value it as a calming, relaxing experience, and some report feeling less tense afterwards.

For these reasons we offer it as an option within a broader plan of assessment, movement and exercise. We do not use it to treat disease, and we make no claims about treating mental health, hormonal, fertility or childhood conditions.

Dr. Akshay Bandekar has advanced training in Craniosacral Therapy (USA).

When it may be used

Concerns it may be considered for

  • Tension around the neck, jaw and base of the skull that is slow to ease
  • Tension-type headaches, where assessment suggests a neck or muscle component and a doctor has ruled out other causes
  • A general feeling of muscle tightness and difficulty relaxing
  • Neck and upper-back stiffness alongside other treatment
  • A wish for a gentle approach when firmer hands-on techniques are not suitable

What the approach looks at

  • How the tissues around the head, neck, spine and sacrum feel under light touch
  • The relationship between neck and jaw tension and your symptoms
  • Muscle tension patterns across the head, neck and upper back
  • How well you are able to relax during the session
  • Whether it fits with the rest of your assessment findings

How we decide if it suits you

We start with the same careful assessment as for any other problem: your history, your symptoms and an examination of your head, neck, jaw, spine and movement. We ask about head injuries, headaches, medicines and your general health, because these affect whether the technique is appropriate.

  • Neck, jaw and upper-back movement and tenderness
  • Muscle tension around the head, neck and shoulders
  • The pattern and history of any headaches, and whether they have been checked by a doctor
  • Any past head or spinal injury or surgery
  • Your general health and medicines
  • Whether firmer approaches, such as exercise or joint work, should come first

How a session works

If we agree the technique is suitable, a session is quiet and unhurried. You stay fully in control, and you can ask us to stop at any time.

  • Explaining the technique

    We describe what it involves, what you may feel and what we know and do not know about it, and you decide whether to go ahead.

  • Getting comfortable

    You lie or sit in a comfortable, supported position so that you can relax.

  • Very light touch

    Gentle hands-on contact at the head, neck, spine or sacrum. Most people feel very little pressure. Some feel warmth, heaviness or deep relaxation, and others notice nothing in particular, and all of these are normal.

  • Checking in

    We ask how you feel during and after the session, and we re-check your neck and movement where relevant.

  • Combining with movement and exercise

    The technique is paired with exercise, posture and habit advice, because lasting change depends on how you use your body.

What people value about it

  • A very gentle option when firmer techniques are not suitable
  • A quiet, unhurried session that many people find relaxing
  • Time spent on assessment and explanation
  • Care that sits within a wider plan of movement and exercise
  • Honest advice about what the technique can and cannot do

Who it’s for & when to see a doctor first

Craniosacral Therapy may suit adults who want a very gentle hands-on approach for neck, jaw and head-related tension within a broader plan. Dr. Akshay decides after assessment whether it is appropriate for you, and we will tell you if it is not.

May not be suitable if

  • You have had a recent head injury, a suspected skull or facial fracture or a concussion
  • You have bleeding in or around the brain, an aneurysm, or raised pressure within the skull
  • You have had recent head, neck or spinal surgery, unless your surgeon has cleared it
  • You have sudden, unexplained or severe headaches that have not been checked by a doctor
  • You have a fever, an infection involving the head or spine, or severe unexplained neck stiffness
  • You have any condition where your doctor has advised against gentle pressure on the head or spine

See a doctor first if you notice

  • A sudden, severe headache, or a headache after a head injury, needs emergency care. Please go to the nearest emergency department.
  • Headache with fever, a stiff neck, confusion or a rash needs emergency care.
  • Sudden facial droop, slurred speech, weakness or numbness on one side, double vision or loss of balance needs emergency care.
  • Headaches that are new, changing, getting steadily worse or waking you from sleep should be checked by a doctor first.
  • Neck pain after a fall or accident needs a medical assessment before any hands-on therapy.

Frequently asked questions

What is Craniosacral Therapy?

It is a very light-touch hands-on approach applied to the head, spine and sacrum. Practitioners aim to release tension in the tissues there, and many clients find it relaxing.

Is there scientific evidence for it?

The evidence is limited and of mixed quality, and the idea of a measurable craniosacral rhythm is not supported by strong research. We are open about this. We offer it as an option within a broader plan and not as a stand-alone cure.

What does a session feel like?

It is quiet and gentle. The touch is very light. Many people feel relaxed, warm or heavy, and some feel very little. You stay in control throughout.

Can it treat my headaches?

It may help with tension that is linked to the neck, jaw and muscles in some people, but it is not a treatment for headache disease. New, severe or changing headaches should be checked by a doctor first.

Does it treat anxiety, hormonal or childhood conditions?

We do not make claims about treating those conditions, and we do not use it for them. If you have concerns in these areas, please see a doctor.

Is it safe?

The touch is very light and it is generally gentle, but it is not suitable for everyone. We check your history first, and will not use it where there is a reason to avoid it.

Your physiotherapist

Meet Dr. Akshay Bandekar

Dr. Akshay Bandekar is the founder of The Posture Perfect Physiotherapy Clinic.

Qualifications: BPTh, MIAP, COMT

Advanced training: Visceral Manipulation (USA), Fascial Manipulation (Italy), Craniosacral Therapy (USA)

Meet the team

Visit the clinic

Address
26, Murad Mansion, 2nd Floor, SVP Road, Opera House, Mumbai – 400004
Next to Marwadi Vidyalaya
Timings
7:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Open all seven days
Open in Google Maps(opens in a new tab)

Ready to move comfortably?

Book an assessment at our Opera House clinic and we will plan your care together.

This website provides general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified healthcare professional should assess your symptoms and advise on suitable care. Seek urgent medical attention for sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, chest pain, or other severe new symptoms.

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