Judy Schmidt, MD

The Elements

Biodynamic CST


Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy (BDCST) is the most profound and effective form of Cranial Sacral Therapy (CST).  It is a gentle form of therapy designed to affect and enhance the functioning of the Cranial Sacral System (CSS).  Like the Respiratory System or the Digestive System, the CSS describes an aspect of the body's functioning.  The system is composed of the bones, fascia, membranes and fluid which surround, envelop and nourish the brain and spinal cord. 

The brain and spinal cord control and direct all of our body processes.  Inside the vertebral column, the brain and spinal cord are surrounded by membranes of connective tissue.  These membranes contain the cerebral spinal fluid which bathes, protects and nourishes the tissue of the brain and spinal cord, just as blood nourishes the other cells and tissues of our bodies.  In addition, these membranes also form a sleeve around each spinal nerve as it leaves the protection of the vertebral column.  Injuries, disease, stress or trauma anywhere in the body can cause restrictions in the free movement of these membranes.  These restrictions can impede the flow of nutrients to the cells or actually put pressure on the exiting nerves, causing pain or dysfunction or both.

Fascia, another component to the CSS system, is a connective tissue that runs through the entire body from head to toe.  It surrounds all the muscles and their individual fibers as well as forms all the cavities in the body and surrounds all the internal organs holding them in place.  This fascia has many layers and is connected to the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.  These membranes and fascia fiber are stronger than steel, highly moveable and flexible until stress, disease or force is applied to them.  Part of their job is to protect and contain vulnerable areas and to hold us together.  They have a sensitive natural response of contraction to meet any outside force or disease process, and because of this BDCST utilizes a very delicate touch to avoid engaging the resistance of the tissue.

All parts of the body move in a subtle, dynamic, polyrhythmic, fluidic, pulsing motion due to the ebb and flow of the dynamism within the CSS and the endocrine system.  This motion is called the Primary Respiration System (PRS) and it can be palpated anywhere on the body.  Problems within the PRS can be detected by monitoring the qualities of these rhythms and determining locations of restricted motion in the body.

BDCST resources the inner most innate healing intelligence in the body through the longer, deeper, more subtle rhythms of the PRS and its expressions in the body.  In this way the body heals from the inside out at the most core level releasing global holding patterns from previous stress, injuries or diseases.  These releases tend to be deeper, more profound and longer lasting than other forms of therapy.

As holding patterns are released and the body begins to return to optimal functioning, many possible sensations may occur.  The releases may be felt as heat, pulsing, relaxation, or other sensations.  You may experience a nurtured, deep, restful meditative or peaceful state as well.  Because memories of trauma and injury are often stored in the connective tissue of the body, sometimes the release is accompanied by emotion or old memories related to the original cause of the restriction.  When this happens, the patient and therapist work together to allow the expression of these patterns of tissue memory, often dramatically reducing the level of pain or dysfunction in the area involved.  After the session you may experience increased mobility in your body, relief from pain, increased mental clarity and more sound sleep.

Because of the central role the CSS plays in the functioning of the entire body, any restriction of its normal motion can have far reaching and varied effects.  Possible symptoms can include:

  • headaches
  • neck or back pain
  • chronic pain anywhere in the body
  • dizziness
  • low energy
  • poor immune system functioning
  • ringing in the ears
  • vision problems
  • sleep disorders
  • numbness
  • heat or cold sensitivity
  • temporal mandibular joint pain (TMJ)
  • depression
  • general nervous tension
  • poor digestion or elimination

In infants and children, restrictions within the CSS can be due to the birthing process, and symptoms can include colic, chronic middle ear infections, feeding difficulties, headaches, behavior problems, learning disabilities suchy as dyslexia, hyperactivity, ADD, ADHD and reading problems.

BDCST can help improve quality of life for elderly people and  for all people in fragile or acutely painful conditions, including post surgical recovery as well as all physiological disease processes.  Head injuries are treated very effectively and gently with BDCST.

People with cancer suffering from the side effects of drugs, such as pain, nausea or immune system depletion, will be helped, as BDCST supports the immune system and calms the nervous system in the management of pain and nausea.  Those with post surgical scar tissue will find less scar tissue buildup and the possibility to have old scar tissue broken down and reduced, increasing fluid flow in the area.

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Rose Stoudt, MT, LMP (WA #MA00020119), CBT, CNST, CNMT, has been in private practice as a Manual Therapist in Missoula since 1985.  Rose has over ten thousand hours of training including three years of anatomy, medical physiology, two years pathology, embryology and differential diagnosis.  She has studied nearly forty manual therapy techniques but currently practices Biodynamic Cranial Sacral Therapy, Strain Counter Strain, Bowen Technique, and NeuroStructural Integration.  Her training includes studies at the Upledger Institute in Florida, the Neuromuscular Pain Relief Institute in Florida, Bowen Therapy Adademy of Australia, International Institute of Applied Health Services of London, the Ursa Foundation in Washington with Loren H. "Bear" Rex, D.O., and the University of Montana. 

For over 30 years, Rose has studied and practiced spiritual development which alows her to bring a profound depth of presence to her work. 

Initial 2-hour Sessions:  $125 Cash @ Time of Service
Follow up Sessions (45 mins. to 1 hour):  $85 Cash

If you have any questions about BDCST and how it may be helpful in treating your condition, please feel free to schedule a free consultation.  Your questions are always welcome.  Sessions can be scheduled through your GOCW primary nurse and by contacting Sue or Rick at 406/721-1118, or by contacting Rose directly at 406/721-3000 ext. 1280 or 406/880-8060.