Still Hurting After an Accident? Craniosacral Therapy May Help You Recover

by SharonHartnett | Jun 19, 2025 | better posture, concussion, Craniosacral Therapy, migraine, mind body & spirit, trauma

Craniosacral therapist using light touch to help a woman recover from injury-related headaches and tension"

Find Help with a Craniosacral Therapist after head trauma. Written by Sharon Hartnett CST-D Columbus, Ohio

If you’ve been in a car accident, taken a hard fall, or suffered a head injury, you might still be feeling the effects—long after the moment has passed.

Every year, thousands of people in the U.S. experience accidents that leave invisible marks. Car crashes. Ladder falls. Horseback riding injuries. Some walk away feeling lucky—until the symptoms start creeping in.

Lingering headaches. Jaw tension. Brain fog. Dizziness. Chronic neck and back pain. For many, these symptoms don’t show up right away—and when they do, conventional medicine may not offer full relief.

That’s where Craniosacral Therapy (CST) comes in.

? Accidents Are More Common Than You Think

Over 6 million car accidents happen in the U.S. every year. Even minor fender benders can cause whiplash or head injuries.
500,000+ people are injured annually in ladder falls.
Horseback riding leads to 100,000+ injuries a year—many involving the head, neck, or spine.

While emergency care addresses broken bones and life-threatening trauma, many people are left with unresolved tension or dysfunction that lingers long after the body appears “healed.”

? Traditional Medicine Offers Essential—But Sometimes Incomplete—Relief

After an accident, most people turn to:

Pain relievers (NSAIDs, muscle relaxants)
Physical therapy
Rest or immobilization
Imaging and diagnostics (MRIs, CT scans)

These treatments are critical. But for people experiencing post-concussion symptoms, chronic headaches, or nervous system overload, the path to recovery can feel frustratingly slow—or stalled.

Migraines, tension headaches, jaw pain (like TMJ), and hypersensitivity can persist long after scans show “nothing wrong.”

? Craniosacral Therapy: A Gentle Support for Deeper Healing

Craniosacral Therapy works with your body’s natural rhythm to release tension stored in the central nervous system. Using a light, therapeutic touch—no more than the weight of a nickel—a trained CST practitioner listens to subtle patterns in the body and helps unwind areas of restriction or shock.

CST may help:

Reduce headaches and migraines
Ease neck and jaw tension after whiplash
Support post-concussion recovery
Calm the fight-or-flight response
Improve sleep, mood, and focus

Unlike forceful manipulations or invasive treatments, CST creates a safe space where your nervous system can reset and self-correct—especially helpful when trauma is still “held” in the tissues.

? What the Research Says

A growing body of studies supports CST’s role in pain and trauma recovery:

One clinical trial showed reduced pain and frequency of migraines after CST compared to traditional massage.
Case studies report improvements in post-concussion symptoms, including dizziness, fogginess, and neck pain.
CST has been shown to help with cervicogenic headaches, which are often related to trauma in the neck area.

While more large-scale research is needed, evidence suggests CST can be an effective complementary therapy to traditional medical care—especially when symptoms persist beyond the acute phase.

? You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

Healing takes time. Especially after trauma.

It’s normal to feel frustrated when you’re not getting answers—or when others say “you should be fine by now.”

Craniosacral Therapy offers another way. With a Craniosacral Therapist who meets your body where it is, listens deeply, and supports you gently back into balance.

? Ready to Explore a Different Path?

If you’re still hurting after an accident, you’re not alone—and you’re not broken. Your body may just need the right kind of support to fully let go of what it’s been holding.

Reach out today to learn how Craniosacral Therapy can help you reconnect, recover, and reclaim your sense of well-being.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111

For more answers to questions, go to Craniosacral Therapist Columbus Ohio

How Pain and Fear Can Lead to Healing and Wholeness

by SharonHartnett | Jun 15, 2025 | change, Craniosacral Therapy, healing, healthy, Healthy Body, Spiritual Healing, trauma, upledger institute

It’s easy to push pain and fear aside—but when we turn toward them with compassion, we open the door to true healing.

Pain gets a bad rap. Truly, it does. But so does fear.
Who wants to voluntarily feel either of those?

The truth is, both are messengers—part of our inner guidance system—and they play an important role in healing emotional pain and fear. These sensations are not signs of weakness. They are invitations into deeper awareness, vulnerability, and ultimately, transformation.

Pain: More Than Just “Ouch”

Most people think of pain as an unpleasant experience—and it is. It’s the nervous system’s way of saying, “Something isn’t right.” Whether the wound is physical, emotional, or even energetic, the message is the same: pay attention.

Pain is also deeply personal. No two people experience it the same way. But when we stop resisting it and begin to listen, pain becomes something more—it becomes a doorway. A chance to come home to the places in us that have been neglected or pushed away.

Fear: A Powerful Instinct That Can Be Healed

Fear often gets lumped in with weakness, but it’s actually one of our most ancient protectors. It’s rooted in survival. For humans—who are social animals—fear helps us detect danger, avoid harm, and stay connected.

But here’s the twist: when fear becomes chronic, it holds us hostage. Instead of protecting us, it keeps us stuck. That’s where emotional healing comes in—not by overriding fear, but by slowly and gently meeting it.

Healing Emotional Pain and Fear: A Path Through the Body

In my practice, I often support clients through craniosacral therapy and somatic healing—both gentle methods that invite the body to relax, unwind, and return to its natural rhythm.

When the body feels safe, it stops defending.
When it stops defending, it starts integrating.
And when integration happens, the healing begins.

Through this process, people begin to heal emotional pain and fear not by numbing or avoiding, but by allowing themselves to feel. Over time, they become more grounded, more whole, and more connected to their true selves.

You Don’t Have to Walk This Path Alone

Healing fear and pain isn’t linear. It unfolds in layers. Sometimes, it’s messy. Often, it’s uncomfortable. But it’s also real—and freeing.

If you’re in Columbus and you’re ready to explore what healing can feel like in a safe, nurturing environment, I’d be honored to walk with you.

Your body holds the wisdom.
Your fear holds the key.
Your pain holds the map.
Let’s listen together.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

Located in Worthington, Ohio-Centrally located in the Columbus area.

Why Feeling Safe in Craniosacral Therapy Matters—Especially After Trauma

by SharonHartnett | Jun 15, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy

Why Feeling Safe in Craniosacral Therapy Matters—Especially After Trauma

safe craniosacral therapy after trauma | craniosacral therapist Columbus Ohio

When Safety Is the Foundation of Healing

If you’ve experienced trauma—whether emotional, physical, or sexual—your body remembers. Even if time has passed, your nervous system may still be on high alert, quietly bracing for what’s next. That’s why safe craniosacral therapy after trauma is so important.

Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on technique that works with your body’s natural rhythms and nervous system. While the touch is subtle, it can often lead to profound shifts—especially when you’re held in a space of safety and trust.

Why Safety in Craniosacral Therapy Is Essential

1. Your Body Needs Safety to Let Go

CST isn’t about pushing through or “fixing” anything. It’s about helping the body unwind naturally. When you feel emotionally and physically safe, your system can begin to release the deep tension it’s been holding—without fear or pressure.

2. Safe Touch Can Restore a Sense of Trust

If you’ve lived through abuse, even light touch can bring up fear or discomfort. A trauma-informed craniosacral therapist will always work with your boundaries and go at your pace. This kind of respectful, nurturing touch helps your body remember what safe connection feels like.

3. You Stay in Control of Your Healing

A safe craniosacral session is never about the practitioner taking over. It’s a collaboration. You are in charge of your body, your comfort, and your healing journey. The best therapists will listen, adapt, and follow your lead.

4. Safety Allows the Nervous System to Shift

When your body finally feels safe, it can move out of “fight-or-flight” and into a healing state. That shift is where real change happens—physically, emotionally, and energetically.

Choosing the Right Craniosacral Therapist After Trauma

If you’re searching for craniosacral therapy in Columbus, Ohio, and have a trauma history, here are some things to look for in a practitioner:

Trauma-informed training or awareness
Clear communication and active listening
A calm, grounded presence
Willingness to adapt to your pace
Respect for emotional and physical boundaries

It’s okay to ask questions before you book. It’s okay to trust your gut. And it’s okay to walk away if something doesn’t feel right.

You Deserve to Feel Safe and Supported

Healing after trauma is not linear, and it’s not something you have to do alone. Safe craniosacral therapy can be a powerful part of that process—gently guiding your system back into balance.

If you’re in Columbus, Ohio, and looking for a therapist who honors your journey with compassion and skill, I’d be honored to support you.

Schedule a free consultation or reach out with your questions.
Your body already holds the wisdom to heal. Safety helps it speak.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111

www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

How to Free Yourself through Breath

by SharonHartnett | Jun 7, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, fear, grounding, healing, healthy, mindfulness

The Breath: A Path to Healing and Inner Calm

By Sharon Hartnett CST-D | Craniosacral Therapist in Columbus, Ohio

?️ The Sacred Breath of Life

Why do so many of us hold our breath—or barely breathe at all? As a Craniosacral Therapist in Columbus, Ohio, I’ve asked this question for years. I see it daily in my clients… and I’ve seen it in myself too.

Shallow breathing has become the norm in our fast-paced world. But our breath holds the key to a more relaxed, resilient, and nourished life.

? My Journey to Breathing Better

Years ago, I enrolled in a yoga teacher training course, partly to deepen my understanding of breathwork. I enjoyed it, but honestly—I didn’t keep up with the practices. They didn’t quite stick.

Later, I read Breath by James Nestor, and it sparked something deeper in me. I tried mouth taping at night (as he suggests), and noticed my jaw relaxed, and I breathed through my nose more often. But again… I fell off the routine.

Creating new habits takes effort, and I’ll admit—like many of us—I didn’t always make it a priority.

✨ A Turning Point: Breath & Awareness

Eventually, I discovered a breathwork teacher who helped me realize something important:
My exhale was restricted, and the pause after exhaling was even harder. But through consistent practice, I noticed improvement. My breath began to shift, my awareness deepened.

More recently, I took a five-hour course on The Breath and Digestion with Nikki Kenward and another brilliant teacher. This time, it landed differently. The experience was informative and embodied—helping me understand how deeply the breath is connected to our digestive health and nervous system regulation.

With mindful breathing, gentle touch, and a calm presence, I could feel my body soften and re-energize.

?‍♀️ Breathing in My Craniosacral Practice

I’ve shared simple breathing techniques with clients for years, but this workshop gave me new insight. Breathing—especially with awareness—can support digestion, emotional healing, and a balanced nervous system.

Now, I’m weaving breathwork more intentionally into my Craniosacral Therapy sessions. When clients tune in to their breath, it opens the door to inner wisdom, subtle motion, and profound relaxation.

? Why Breathing Efficiently Matters

Efficient breathing means slow, intentional, and diaphragmatic breathing. Here’s why it’s so powerful:

? Physical Benefits

Better oxygen flow: Nourishes tissues and supports healing

Improved posture: Strengthens the diaphragm and core

Lower blood pressure & heart rate: Activates the parasympathetic response

Enhanced digestion: Calms gut tension and supports regularity

More energy: Oxygen supports every cell in the body

? Mental & Emotional Benefits

Reduces anxiety: Signals safety to the nervous system

Increases focus and clarity: Breath calms the mental chatter

Supports emotional balance: Builds capacity to respond, not react

? Nervous System & Sleep Support

Moves you from “fight or flight” to “rest and digest”

Improves sleep quality and supports gentle recovery

? A Simple Practice to Begin: The 4-6 Breath

This is one of my favorite practices to return to—especially when feeling anxious or disconnected.

The 4-6 Breath

When to use: Morning, bedtime, or anytime you need calm.

Sit comfortably or lie down

Inhale gently through your nose for 4 seconds

Exhale slowly through your mouth or nose for 6 seconds

Repeat for 2–5 minutes (or longer if you’d like)

Optional: Place one hand on your chest, one on your belly. Let the belly rise more than the chest. This signals the nervous system to soften.

? Closing Reflections

I still return to this truth: Breath is medicine.

Breathing mindfully—especially with longer exhales—helps us release fear, calm anxiety, and reset the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in our system. I can feel it shift my mindset and open space for healing.

If you’re on a healing journey, whether physically, emotionally, or spiritually, try reconnecting with your breath. And if you need support, I’m here.

Let’s explore how Craniosacral Therapy and mindful breathing can help you feel more whole, more connected, and more at ease in your body.

With breath and presence,
Sharon Hartnett CST-D
Craniosacral Therapist Columbus Ohio
? Worthington, Ohio
? 614-653-8111
? www.craniosacraltherapistcolumbus.com

What does Craniosacral Therapy Do?

by SharonHartnett | Jun 5, 2025 | Craniosacral Therapy, upledger institute

What Does Craniosacral Therapy Do?

Supporting the Body’s Innate Wisdom for Healing in Columbus, Ohio

People ask “what does Craniosacral Therapy do?” This is the best way I can think to describe it: Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle hands-on method that works with the body’s deeper wisdom to promote healing, balance, and well-being. Rooted in the understanding that structure and function are deeply connected, CST focuses on the craniosacral system and the fascia—the connective tissue that weaves the body together from head to toe.

When a skilled craniosacral therapist places their hands on the body, they’re not applying force. Instead, they’re listening. With highly trained sensitivity, they tune into the subtle rhythms and signals within the tissues, especially the fascia and the craniosacral rhythm—a gentle flow linked to cerebrospinal fluid movement. These rhythms reflect the state of the nervous system, and through them, the body communicates.

This light, intentional touch supports the body’s natural ability to self-correct. By working directly with the craniosacral system and the fascia, Craniosacral Therapy helps:

Balance the nervous system
Improve the flow of cerebrospinal fluid
Support better nutrient delivery and waste removal
Encourage smooth gliding between muscles, organs and joints
Release physical restrictions and tension
Reduce stress and promote deep relaxation
Allow emotional expression and integration
Enhance body awareness and connection to self

Fascia plays a key role here—it’s a network that connects all parts of the body, creating communication lines between organs, muscles, and systems. By freeing restrictions within this network, CST allows the body to restore movement, function, and harmony.

Ultimately, what does Craniosacral Therapy do: it helps the body move toward homeostasis—its natural state of balance. As motion and fluid flow improve, so does overall health. From relieving chronic pain to supporting emotional healing, CST offers a powerful yet subtle path for transformation.

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111

Find a Craniosacral Therapist Near Me

FAQ

What Should I Expect in a Craniosacral Therapy Session?

by SharonHartnett | Jun 3, 2025 | craniosacral, Craniosacral Therapy, fear, mind body & spirit, mindfulness

Craniosacral Therapist Columbus vs. head massage

What Should I Expect in a Craniosacral Therapy Session?

Craniosacral Therapy in Columbus, Ohio

If you’re curious about craniosacral therapy in Columbus, Ohio, you have come to the right place. Many people are looking for natural and organic ways to feel better in their bodies—and craniosacral therapy (CST) offers a deeply relaxing and effective option. Some of the things that you can expect to have in a professional space:

A Neutral and Compassionate Space

This creates a safe therapeutic relationship with your Craniosacral Therapist—one that is compassionate, neutral, and professional.

Especially when fear is being held or recycled in the body, having a calm and peaceful therapeutic space and presence can help the nervous system settle. This sense of safety supports the mind in letting go and allows the body to begin healing more deeply.

A Gentle Yet Deep Experience

Craniosacral therapy uses very light touch to release tension in the nervous system. The body responds well because the approach is so gentle—it doesn’t resist the change, it welcomes it. This allows the healing to ripple through all systems in the body: muscular, skeletal, digestive, and emotional.

Many clients report feeling calm, centered, and more connected after just one session.

What Happens in a Session?

Sessions are typically 60–90 minutes, depending on the therapist. You’ll lie fully clothed on a comfortable treatment table. The practitioner uses gentle hand placements to encourage the release of restrictions and integration in the tissues, and to hold a space for embodied healing.

Because the body holds cellular memory, it’s not uncommon for emotions, images, or old thoughts to arise during or after a session. This is part of the body’s natural healing process. You can check into Somatoemotional Release to find out more.

Choosing the Right Craniosacral Therapist Matters

Not all craniosacral therapy is the same. Every practitioner brings a different level of training, experience, and personal approach to the table. Some may weave craniosacral work into other bodywork modalities, while others have made it the core of their practice through years of advanced study.

Before booking a session, take time to learn about a therapist’s background. Ask about their certifications, where they trained, and how long they’ve been practicing. For example, practitioners certified through the Upledger Institute have completed extensive hands-on education rooted in the foundational principles of this gentle, powerful work.

Because this is such subtle and deeply transformative therapy, finding the right match can make all the difference. Sometimes that means traveling a bit farther to work with someone whose approach truly resonates with your needs.

Your healing journey is personal—choose a therapist who brings presence, skill, and heart to the table.

Feel Better in Your Body

Clients often seek craniosacral therapy for chronic pain, stress, trauma, or simply a desire to feel more at ease. Over time, CST helps you feel more grounded, resilient, and balanced.

Looking for Craniosacral Therapy in Columbus, Ohio?
Reach out to a certified practitioner in your area to experience the value of feeling better in your body—gently and naturally.

If you are local to Columbus, Ohio, call:

Sharon Hartnett CST-D

614 653-8111

FAQ