Craniosacral therapy for migraine: Protocol development for an exploratory controlled clinical trial
2008

Craniosacral Therapy for Migraine: Study Protocol

Sample size: 109 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Mann John D, Faurot Keturah R, Wilkinson Laurel, Curtis Peter, Coeytaux Remy R, Suchindran Chirayath, Gaylord Susan A

Primary Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Hypothesis

Subjects receiving usual medical care plus craniosacral therapy (CST) will demonstrate significant improvement compared to those receiving usual care plus low-strength static magnets.

Conclusion

The study supports the feasibility of conducting a rigorous clinical trial of CST for migraine, with subjects willing to complete detailed headache diaries and minimal dropouts.

Supporting Evidence

  • 169 individuals have been screened for eligibility.
  • 109 were eligible for the study.
  • 19 participants withdrew after giving consent.
  • Subjects completed detailed headache diaries during an 8-week baseline period.

Takeaway

This study is trying to see if a gentle therapy called craniosacral therapy can help people with migraines feel better.

Methodology

The study is a randomized controlled trial comparing CST to low-strength static magnets as a control intervention.

Potential Biases

Potential therapist bias is addressed by analyzing videotaped encounters.

Limitations

The study may have limited generalizability due to the specific inclusion criteria and the focus on a single therapist.

Participant Demographics

Participants are individuals aged 12 and above, either gender, English or Spanish speaking, with a history of migraine.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1472-6882-8-28

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication