Clinical Outcomes of a Novel Cranial Movement Therapy (CMT) in Post-Traumatic Brain Injury & Concussion: A Case Report
- ResonantEquus
- Aug 23
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
CRANIAL MOVEMENT THERAPY TO HEAL CONCUSSION AND POST-CONCUSSION SYNDROME
This is a project initiated when I was still a student of Physical Therapy at Wheeling Jesuit University (now Wheeling University). The Case Report was presented at the 98th Annual ACRM Conference in 2021.
I was very fortunate to observe lead author, Dr. Simkovich, treat many concussions and post-concussion sequelae with his Cranial Movement Therapy technique in his Pennsylvania clinic, Simkovich Cranial Institute. The outcomes he elicited were so impressive to me (in both acute and chronic mTBI) that I was inspired to initiate a research project in attempt to quantify the results and spread awareness of this unique technique using cranial bone mobilization to help the brain and nervous system heal after a concussion.
Scroll down to read the news announcement and access the case abstract to learn more about this fascinating approach to brain injury healing.
This work inspired me to pursue continuing education in Cranial Osteopathic Techniques through the Institute of Physical Art, which informs my practice and passion to treat post concussion syndromes by balancing and mobilizing the cranial sutures and bony structures, as well as address vagal tone, to this day.
- Dr. Jessie
ABSTRACT
Research Objectives: To describe potential effects of a novel Cranial Movement Therapy (CMT) on long-lasting post-Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) symptoms.
Design: Case report
Setting: Specialized private practice on concussion and TBI.
Participants: A 57-year-old female with sustaining post-TBI symptoms for 2 years, with a new incident 2 weeks prior to initial visit.
Interventions:
A novel technique of CMT was originally developed to improve post-TBI symptoms by potential restoration of the cranial bones’ position and optimization of CSF and blood flow. This approach consists of a detailed history of the mechanism of injury, systematic evaluation including palpation, assessment, and manipulation of the cranial bones, cervical spine and surrounding musculature. Each session, symmetry, mobility, and tonicity of cranial structures and soft tissues were assessed. Treatment protocol consisted of 5 consecutive sets of proposed CMT technique on the palate and other osseous cranial structures found with deficits, of 1 session every 20 minutes, over the course of 4 days with added home-based cognitive training program. Follow-up was repeated for 2 months post-initial treatment.
Main Outcome Measures: Primary outcomes were severity of headache and cognitive dysfunction on a 0-10 scale and frequency of occurrence.
Results:
Following receiving CMT, the participant reported 80% decrease in headache severity (5/10 to 1/10) and complete resolution (100% decrease) of cognitive dysfunction (6/10 to 0/10) at the conclusion of treatment on day 4 with no recurrence after 2 months of follow up.
Conclusions:
This case report successfully documented a significant reduction in severity and frequency of headaches, complete elimination of cognitive difficulties following application of this novel CMT technique in a patient experiencing long-lasting post-TBI symptoms. Findings warrant future randomized controlled investigation of this approach in the treatment of patients with post-TBI symptoms.
RESOURCES Simkovich C, Hadadzadeh M, Grubler K, Tierney J, Berger M, Senko L Clinical Outcomes of a Novel Cranial Movement Therapy (CMT) in Post-Traumatic Brain Injury: A Case Report. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2021: 102(10); e44
Wheeling University News: Researchers at Wheeling University Collaborate Studies of Cranial Movement Therapy for Individuals Suffering Post-Concussion Symptoms. 2019 8 November. Available online: https://wheeling.edu/wu-news/news-home-researchers-at-wheeling-university-collaborate-studies-of-cranial-movement-therapy-for-individuals-suffering-post-concussion-symptoms/
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