Certification for Craniocervical Physical Therapy

Craniocervical physical therapy addresses the neck and skull.

Craniocervical therapy certifications are part of a program that studies the neck and head. Programs to educate about craniocervical physical therapy are physical therapy programs, physical therapy assistant or massage therapy certification programs.

Treatment

Massage therapy techniques, such as craniosacral therapy, provide certifications that augment physical therapy trainings. Treatment of diseases in the temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, include such techniques as joint release and reduction of subluxations.

Physical Therapy Certification

Most physical therapists receive a bachelor's degree. Study specific to craniocervical dysfunction may not be included in a general survey course of massage therapeutics or anatomy. Advanced study in craniocervical therapy can be found at the graduate or certificate education levels with some prerequisite training.

Massage

Craniosacral massage certification includes practical skills in manipulating craniocervical tissues. Massage schools and physical therapy programs support certification in craniocervical therapeutics.

References

• University of Victoria: TMJ
• National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork: Glossary: therapy & techniques

Resources

• McKinnon Body Therapy Center: Craniosacral Therapy