Digestive care · Murray Hill, NYC
Gentle Care for Constipation in NYC
You've tried more fiber, more water, and maybe a few rounds of laxatives. Things move for a while, then you're bloated and backed up again. Or maybe it's your child who strains, cries, or goes days without a bowel movement.
Dr. Alex Kaminsky, D.C., is a Certified Craniosacral Therapist and a licensed chiropractor since 2000. At his office in Murray Hill, he offers gentle hands-on care for adults and children whose bowels won't stay regular. His care works alongside the care you get from your doctor.
You're far from alone. Constipation affects an estimated 12 to 19 percent of adults.
When to See a Doctor First
Please check with a doctor before booking with us if you have:
- Blood in your stool or black, tarry stool
- Unexplained weight loss
- Severe belly pain, vomiting, or a swollen belly
- A lasting change in your bowel habits, especially if you're over 45
For babies and children, call your pediatrician first if the problem started at birth, or comes with vomiting, a swollen belly, blood, or poor weight gain.
Certain medications, including opioid pain relievers, can also slow your bowels. Please bring your medication list to your visit.
How Dr. Kaminsky Approaches Constipation
The gut and the nervous system
Your gut is closely tied to your nervous system. The vagus nerve, which runs from the brain down through the belly, helps control the muscle movements that push stool along. In Dr. Kaminsky's view, stress, tension, and restrictions along the spine and around the organs can interfere with that system. Learn more about his vagus nerve treatment.
Stress and digestion
When you're stressed, your body shifts into "fight or flight," and digestion slows down. For some people, stressful weeks make things worse. Light-touch craniosacral therapy (CST) aims to help the body settle into a calmer state. See his work on nervous system regulation.
Gentle work around the belly
Dr. Kaminsky also offers visceral manipulation. It's a gentle hands-on technique for the organs and the tissue around them. He may also place a vibrating tuning fork on the belly, part of his sound healing work. Research on abdominal massage, a related approach, is limited. It found some evidence that it may help people have bowel movements more often. More research is needed.
Honest expectations
Hands-on care is not a replacement for medical care. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed.
Constipation in Children
Babies and young children often struggle with hard or infrequent stools. Dr. Kaminsky uses only light, gentle touch with little ones, with no cracking or twisting. He also offers gentle care for reflux and colic. Learn more about pediatric chiropractic care.
What to Expect at Your Visit
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1HistoryDr. Kaminsky asks how long this has been going on, what you've tried, your diet and stress levels, and what your doctor has found. Here's more on what happens at a first visit.
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2Gentle hands-on careYou stay fully clothed. Care may include light-touch CST along the head, spine, and sacrum, plus gentle work around the belly. This may include a tuning fork on the belly.
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3A planDr. Kaminsky will talk with you about how you felt and suggest how often to come in. Keep up the basics your doctor recommends, like fiber, fluids, and movement.
Why People Choose Dr. Kaminsky
- Care for the whole family: He treats babies, children, and adults.
- Two kinds of training: He is a chiropractor and a Certified Craniosacral Therapist (CST-T, Upledger).
- After-work hours: Appointments run until 9 pm Monday through Thursday at 36 East 36th Street in Murray Hill.
Read more about Dr. Kaminsky's training and background.
Cost and Payment
The office does not take insurance. You'll get an itemized superbill for possible out-of-network refunds. HSA and FSA cards are accepted. See current rates on our cost page.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Can a chiropractor help with constipation?
Research is limited, and no one can promise results here. Dr. Kaminsky's gentle care aims to ease tension and calm the nervous system, which may help some people. It works alongside your doctor's advice, not in place of it.
Should I stop my laxatives?
Don't stop or change any medication without talking to your doctor first.
Is this safe for my baby?
Dr. Kaminsky uses only light, gentle touch with babies, with no cracking or twisting. Check with your pediatrician first if your baby has any of the warning signs above.
What is visceral manipulation?
It's a gentle, hands-on technique that works with the organs and the connective tissue around them. Learn more on our visceral manipulation page.
Do you have evening appointments?
Yes. Appointments run until 9 pm Monday through Thursday and until 6 pm on Friday. All visits are by appointment.
Schedule a visit
Call to Schedule
If you're tired of feeling backed up, call or text 212-328-1180 to talk with Dr. Kaminsky. Visits are by appointment at 36 East 36th Street in Murray Hill.