Our PT’s and licensed massage therapists are trained in Craniosacral Therapy.
CST is a gentle, hands-on technique performed by a skilled PT or massage therapist that focuses on releasing tension deep within the body to relieve pain, improve overall health, and support the body’s natural healing processes. CST involves the delicate manipulation of the craniosacral system—the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord.
During a CST session, your PT or massage therapist uses light touch to assess and release restrictions in the craniosacral system. By gently working with the soft tissues and fluids, they help to ease tension and encourage the body to find its natural balance. This therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of issues, including chronic pain, headaches, stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
At Inspire Physical Therapy, our PT’s and massage therapists are trained in craniosacral therapy and integrate it into their holistic approach to care. Whether you’re dealing with specific concerns or looking for a preventive and relaxing approach to wellness, CST can offer a gentle yet powerful way to support your body’s well-being.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is often described as a deeply relaxing and gentle experience. During a session, the massage therapist uses very light touch—generally no more than the weight of a nickel—to feel for subtle rhythms and tensions in the body. Most clients lie comfortably on a massage table, fully clothed, while the therapist gently places their hands on various parts of the body, including the head, neck, spine, and sacrum (the base of the spine).
Clients typically feel a sense of warmth, light pressure, or gentle pulsing as the therapist works. Some people report sensations of softening or releasing tension, while others feel a gentle unwinding or a sense of “letting go” in the muscles and tissues. It is not uncommon to feel a wave-like motion or rhythmic movements as the body responds to the therapy.
Many clients enter a deep state of relaxation, similar to a meditative state, and some even drift off to sleep. Others may experience a range of sensations, from tingling and warmth to emotional release. CST is highly individual; its effects can vary from session to session, but the overall feeling is one of calmness, balance, and a sense of being more connected to one’s body.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST) can help with stored emotions. CST works on the principle that the body and mind are interconnected, and that emotional experiences, especially trauma, can be stored in the tissues of the body. This concept is often referred to as “somatic memory.”
During a CST session, the therapist uses gentle touch to release restrictions within the craniosacral system, which can help the body relax and let go of tension. As the body releases physical tension, it may also release emotional tension that has been held within the muscles, fascia, or nervous system. This process can lead to what is known as an “emotional release.”
Clients may experience a variety of sensations during this process, such as a sense of lightness, warmth, tingling, or even waves of emotion, such as sadness, joy, or relief. These releases are often a natural part of the body’s healing process and can help in processing unresolved emotions, reducing anxiety, and promoting a sense of emotional balance and well-being.
CST provides a safe and supportive environment for these emotional releases, allowing individuals to process and integrate emotions gently and non-verbally, which can be particularly beneficial for those who find it challenging to express emotions through traditional talk therapy.
Makenzie Shupe, LMT, brings nearly a decade of hands-on experience to Inspire PT & Wellness in Westlake, Texas, offering thoughtful, results-driven care that helps clients reduce pain, improve mobility, and feel more at ease in their bodies. Her work blends clinical knowledge with an intuitive approach, addressing how stress, injury, and movement patterns impact both the nervous and musculoskeletal systems.
She incorporates techniques such as Ashiatsu barefoot massage and cupping therapy, tailoring each session to support therapeutic relief, recovery, or relaxation through a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes safety, consent, and clear communication. Clients value her attentive listening, professionalism, and ability to create a calm, restorative environment while collaborating with the Inspire team to support long-term healing.
Samantha Reynolds brings a comprehensive approach to pelvic floor and orthopedic care with specialized training in NeuroKinetic Therapy (NKT), Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), and neural and visceral manipulation. Her expertise spans from managing pelvic health concerns to treating musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring a holistic and effective approach to her patients’ well-being.
With a keen interest in functional movement and rehabilitation, Samantha is dedicated to empowering individuals to improve their quality of life and movement. She integrates her advanced training to develop personalized treatment plans that address both the root causes and the symptoms of pain and dysfunction.
When she’s not helping patients, Samantha stays active through her participation in Hiroxy competitions, blending her passion for fitness with her commitment to personal growth.
with a passion for Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) and as an NASM‑CPT at Inspire Physical Therapy & Wellness, prioritizes building foundational stability—breathing mechanics, core activation, and joint alignment—before adding load. With six years of Pilates‑based reformer and one‑on‑one coaching experience, she layers dynamic warm‑ups and hands‑on feedback to refine movement patterns, prevent pain, and accelerate functional strength. Passionate and precise, Julie empowers every client to progress safely toward lasting, injury‑resistant performance.
Rosselen Para, LMT, brings nearly a decade of experience in both chiropractic and luxury spa settings, blending clinical skill with a client-centered approach to wellness. She is trained in Myoskeletal Alignment Technique, Ashiatsu / FasciAshi Barefoot Massage, Sarga Bodywork, Thai Massage, Myofascial Release, Cupping Therapy, and Facial Cupping.
Rosselen is known for creating highly customized treatments that support pain relief, improved movement, and long-term wellness. Her deep understanding of the body and calming presence make her a trusted practitioner for both therapeutic and restorative care.
Jennifer McCauley, PT, DPT, OCS is DFW’s premier physical therapist specializing in Pilates-based rehabilitation, orthopedic, and pelvic health physical therapy. Jennifer graduated from Mount St. Mary’s University with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2008 and became Board Certified in Orthopedics (OCS) in 2012. Jennifer has extensive training in Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), Movement Links, and NeuroKinetic Therapy (NKT). Jennifer is a Polestar trained nationally certified Pilates instructor (NCPT) and has been teaching for over 20 years. Jennifer is strongly influenced by her background in movement science and incorporates this into all of her treatment sessions.
After seeing the effects pelvic floor physical therapy had on her body, her passion for pelvic health was ignited. She began her training journey in pelvic floor physical therapy while working for Kaiser Permanente in the Urology department and deepened her knowledge with continued education through Herman and Wallace. She has advanced manual therapy training in Visceral and Neural Mobilization through the Barral Institute and in Functional Dry Needling through Kinetacore and is one of the few physical therapists in the area trained in dry needling for the pelvic floor.
Jennifer spent the first 10 years of her career in Los Angeles working in a variety of private practices and hospital settings. In 2017, she moved to DFW with her husband, Scott and two children and opened Inspire Physical Therapy and Wellness with Julie Henderson to bring her vision of an integrative physical therapy clinic with a patient-centered approach. When not working, you can find Jennifer engaged in her local community, spending time with her family, and staying fit with bar and functional fitness classes .
Coined the “Body Detective”, Jennifer gets to the root cause of a patient’s pain and ailments. Her integrative approach to rehabilitation is reflected in the individualized and customized care she gives each of her patients. Jennifer brings skilled manual therapy with corrective movement training to help patients get back to the activities they love. Her holistic approach to care helps her patients to not only recover from injury, but to thrive, living life to its fullest.
Sophie is a licensed massage therapist with 7 years of experience, specializing in holistic healing and craniosacral therapy (CST). She believes in the body’s natural ability to heal itself with the right care. Trained by the Upledger Institute, Sophie uses CST, a gentle manual therapy that identifies and releases restrictions in the body to enhance overall function. Her expertise in CST has helped clients with a range of concerns, from immune support and improved sleep to pain relief and emotional regulation.
Abbey graduated from Oklahoma State University with her undergraduate degree and earned her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Langston University. She has continued to pursue her passion in learning through advanced training in pelvic floor therapy through Herman and Wallace. Beyond her professional achievements, Abbey brings a personal touch to patient care and loves spending time with her little one.
Passionate about overall health, Abbey is well-versed in Pelvic Floor PT, NeuroKinetic Therapy (NKT), Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), Pilates, and Dry Needling. Her commitment to continuous learning is reflected in her comprehensive approach to addressing musculoskeletal issues, allowing her to create effective and tailored treatment plans.
Abbey Malamut is a dedicated healthcare professional who blends compassion, expertise, and ongoing education to improve the lives of her patients.
Chandler is our go-to girl for questions, concerns, and scheduling needs. Her meticulous attention to detail and warm approachable manner helps keep our office moving smoothly!
When not diligently supporting our operations, you can find her passionately working towards her degree in psychology. In her free time, Chandler balances her commitment to well-being by taking pilates classes and enjoying the company of her adorable pup.
Rachel Nielsen is a seasoned and dedicated therapist devoted to enhancing lives through rehabilitation. Educated at Texas Christian University (TCU) with a Bachelor of Science and earning her Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the esteemed University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in 2013, Rachel has built a solid foundation for her flourishing career.
With over a decade of experience, Rachel has honed her skills in specialized areas such as Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT), Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), Pilates,Pelvic Floor Therapy, and Dry Needling. Her commitment to excellence and continuous learning distinguishes her in the field.
Beyond her professional achievements, Rachel is a devoted mother of three, enriching her understanding of physical well-being, especially during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Rachel Nielsen’s wealth of knowledge and compassionate care make her a sought-after pelvic floor and orthopedic Physical Therapist. Her holistic approach to rehabilitation, whether assisting new mothers, athletes, or those seeking pain relief, showcases her unwavering dedication to optimal health and well-being.
Janelle Topliff, PT, DPT, grew up in South Texas and received her bachelor’s degree in Exercise Sport Science from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor. She went on to earn her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from UT Southwestern in 2016. Over the past six years, Janelle has specialized in blending manual therapy, pelvic health, obstetric, and orthopedic physical therapy to provide comprehensive care. She is CAPP Pelvic and CAPP Obstetric Certified, Level 2 Pelvic Functional Dry Needling Certified through Evidence In Motion (EIM), and certified in Visceral Manipulation through the Barral Institute. Janelle has treated a wide variety of pelvic health clients and is passionate about promoting lifelong wellness for those experiencing persistent abdominal and pelvic discomfort. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, practicing Pilates, baking, and watching Marvel and Disney movies.
Karen Bowman, PT earned her BS in Physical Therapy from the University of Connecticut and has over 20 years of experience in orthopedic, neurological, and rehabilitative care. After discovering Pilates through her own recovery, she completed her Balanced Body certification and now integrates Pilates with physical therapy for a holistic approach to movement and healing.
With advanced training in neural manipulation, DNS Levels 1 & 2, dry needling, Red Cord/Neurac, and NeuroKinetic Therapy (NKT), Karen creates individualized programs that restore efficient movement patterns and build strength, stability, and confidence in daily life.
Megan is a highly skilled Doctor of Physical Therapy dedicated to optimizing individuals’ physical well-being. With a solid educational foundation from the University of Louisville and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the esteemed University of Saint Augustine, Megan excels in her field.
Megan’s professional expertise encompasses various specialized areas, including Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT), Visceral Manipulation, Dry Needling, and Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy. Her commitment to continuous learning ensures she stays at the forefront of advancements in the field.
Passionate about patient care, Megan takes a personalized approach, offering compassionate care and tailored treatment plans to help individuals achieve their physical goals. Her comprehensive skill set, dedication, and focus on holistic well-being make her a sought-after practitioner, contributing to her reputation as a respected leader in physical therapy.
Amy has been a licensed Physical Therapist since graduating from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2000. She has treated patients in a variety of settings including acute care, neuro ICU, and outpatient orthopedics and pelvic floor. Amy has advanced training in pelvic floor physical therapy through Herman and Wallace, Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT) and Dry Needling.
A fitness instructor since 1991, Amy has taught a variety of exercise formats including Pilates mat and reformer, yoga, pre/postnatal fitness and spinning. She received her Pilates Reformer certificate from Balanced Body in 2011 after joining an Atlanta physical therapy private practice where she first started to incorporate Pilates equipment into her treatments.
Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Amy moved to Southlake in 2015 with her husband, Jason, and their 3 children. Amy has a passion for wellness and nutrition and loves to stay fit through Pilates, Crossfit and daily walks with her dogs.
Amy’s personalized approach to treating her clients makes each session unique. As her patient, you will receive one-on-one customized treatment that will get you back to the activities you love. Her approach to treating the whole body, combined with her expertise in correcting movement and postural dysfunction, will make each treatment session meaningful and effective, leading to a better version of you.
Jill earned her Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification in 2015 and has utilized Dartfish biomechanical computer analysis for orthopedic and sports injury rehab. She has extensive manual therapy certifications and is certified in Neurokinetic Therapy (Level 3), Movement Links, manipulation, Dry Needling, Graston instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization, and Advanced Sports Nutrition.
She rehabs patients utilizing a combined functional approach assessing motor chain deficits combining Neural manipulation, Neurokinetic Therapy (NKT), Movements Links, and integrates with Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), Redcord (Neurac), and pilates based exercises. This allows her to provide an individualized treatment plan that gets her patients back to doing the things they love. She loves a challenge, and her commitment to education and passion for getting to the root cause of pain is an inspiration and instrumental in her patient’s success.
Jill has a passion for whole body wellness and educating patients regarding nutrition for chronic pain and sports performance. She has a special interest in treating chronic pain, sports injuries, sacroiliac dysfunctions, running injuries, and overhead athletes. In her spare time she enjoys traveling and running marathons.
Julie is a proven leader, with a history of helping companies from Fortune 500 to small businesses, align process and technology to drive better outcomes. Her business acumen, entrepreneurial drive and love for health and wellness combined for a perfect mix to help bring the Inspire vision to life.
Julie graduated with her Bachelor’s from Oklahoma State University in 2007. She is a certified Pilates instructor and loves incorporating it into her workout routine. In her free time she enjoys traveling with her family, hiking, gardening and running.
Samantha Reynolds brings a comprehensive approach to pelvic floor and orthopedic care with specialized training in NeuroKinetic Therapy (NKT), Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS), and neural and visceral manipulation. Her expertise spans from managing pelvic health concerns to treating musculoskeletal conditions, ensuring a holistic and effective approach to her patients’ well-being.
With a keen interest in functional movement and rehabilitation, Samantha is dedicated to empowering individuals to improve their quality of life and movement. She integrates her advanced training to develop personalized treatment plans that address both the root causes and the symptoms of pain and dysfunction.
When she’s not helping patients, Samantha stays active through her participation in Hiroxy competitions, blending her passion for fitness with her commitment to personal growth.