Migraine Headache Treatment in New York City
Coping with daily stress can contribute to migraine headaches, which are common in the fast pace of New York City. This page explores how Craniosacral Therapy (CST) can be a gentle, hands-on option for supporting migraine relief.
Non-invasive Craniosacral Therapy | Comfortable, clothed sessions
Migraine patterns vary by person. Results vary and do not replace medical care. If symptoms are severe or sudden, seek medical attention.
Craniosacral Therapy for migraine headaches
Migraine headaches can take on unique characteristics for each patient. In this approach, migraines are viewed as the result of deep tension patterns being held in the head and body and a poorly functioning craniosacral mechanism.
Dr. John Upledger developed Craniosacral Therapy (CST) as a non-invasive method focusing on the link between the cranium (head) and sacrum (base of the spine), addressing fluid flow and membranes connected to both. Because CST centers on structures involved in migraine patterns (head, spine, muscles, fascia, and nerves), it is well positioned as a hands-on option for migraine relief.
Common migraine symptoms
The most common migraine headache symptoms include:
- Intense, severe, or constant pain on one or both sides of the head (often one-sided, which can distinguish migraines from tension or cluster headaches).
- Nausea, loss of appetite, upset stomach, and sometimes vomiting.
- Increased sensitivity to sound and light; aura.
- Blurred vision or visual disturbances (flashing lights, unusual shapes/lines).
- Dizziness and shakiness.
- Numbness or weakness in facial or neck muscles.
- Increased thirst.
- Difficulty concentrating, speaking normally, or holding a conversation.
Beyond migraines
Dr. Kaminsky works with a range of headache patterns and believes many headaches (regardless of label) can stem from a common issue: impaired mobility between cranial bones at their sutures.
- Migraine headaches
- Stress headaches
- Cervicogenic headaches
- Tension headaches
- Organic headaches
- Cluster headaches
- Vascular headaches
A calm, hands-on craniosacral session
In craniosacral therapy, the patient remains fully clothed and lies down in a relaxed position. Dr. Kaminsky uses trained, skilled touch to evaluate craniosacral rhythm and detect restrictions and imbalances in the craniosacral system (bones, membranes, and cerebrospinal fluid).
- Gentle evaluation of skull and sacrum to assess rhythm and restriction.
- Soft, non-invasive techniques to normalize rhythm and ease restrictions in spinal tissues and fascia.
- Focus on stress patterns that can involve the autonomic nervous system, including neck/jaw tension and clenching.
- Goal of reducing pressure patterns around the head and supporting freer fluid dynamics.
Many patients report improvement after one or two sessions, with continued progress over time. Results vary.
Craniosacral Therapy headache treatment benefits
CST offers many benefits for headache sufferers, including:
- Relief of head and neck tension or pain
- Reduced future headache occurrences
- Reduced tiredness
- Diminished eye pressure
- Diminished head pressure
- Improved neck spasm
- Decreased overall stress
If you are unsure which type of headache pattern you are experiencing, call the office to schedule a visit.
Migraine headaches are often triggered by stress and deep tension patterns. A gentle, hands-on approach can help restore comfort by reducing restrictions and supporting the craniosacral mechanism.
Get results and relieve your headache pain
Many patients come to Dr. Kaminsky after trying Botox, physical therapy, medications, and other treatments without lasting improvement. He believes this often happens because the real cause is not being addressed: impaired cranial mobility at the sutures.
This compromise in movement at the sutures is responsible for pumping cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) throughout the enclosed head-and-spine system sometimes described as the craniosacral mechanism. When mobility and fluid dynamics are supported, headache patterns can improve.
Treatment aims to address the cause/origin by reducing cranial misalignment, easing muscular neck spasms, eliminating physiological restrictions, relieving personal stressors, and supporting freer CSF flow within the head and spine.
Ready to get migraine support?
Call the office or send a request. The practice will follow up to discuss your questions, availability, and next steps.