Fibromyalgia care · Murray Hill, NYC
Gentle Care for Fibromyalgia in NYC
You hurt all over, but the tests come back normal. You wake up tired no matter how long you sleep. Some days, even a firm handshake or a tight waistband hurts. And you may have been told, in so many words, that it's all in your head.
It isn't. This is a real, recognized condition, and it affects about 2 percent of adults in the United States.
Dr. Alex Kaminsky, D.C., is a Certified Craniosacral Therapist and a licensed chiropractor since 2000. At his office in Murray Hill, he offers light-touch craniosacral therapy (CST) for this kind of widespread pain. His care works alongside the care you get from your doctor.
What Is Fibromyalgia?
It causes widespread pain throughout the body, along with symptoms like:
- Fatigue that sleep doesn't fix
- Poor or unrefreshing sleep
- Trouble with focus and memory, often called "fibro fog"
- Tenderness to pressure that wouldn't bother most people
Flares are often tied to stress, poor sleep, or doing too much on a good day. In a city with long subway stairs, crowded commutes, and packed schedules, it's easy to run through your energy before the day is done.
Medical Care Comes First
A doctor, often a rheumatologist, should confirm the diagnosis and rule out other causes. Three medications are FDA-approved for this condition: pregabalin, duloxetine, and milnacipran. They help some people, but often only partly. That's why doctors often suggest a mix of approaches. These include learning about the condition, regular gentle exercise, and emotional support. Please keep any treatment your doctors have recommended.
Why Light Touch Matters
Because the condition often comes with tenderness, deep or firm pressure can be uncomfortable. Craniosacral therapy uses very light touch, about the weight of a nickel, on the head, spine, and sacrum. There is no cracking, twisting, or deep pressure. Sessions are quiet and slow.
What the Research Says
CST has been studied in this condition, though research is still limited:
- A 2011 study of 92 patients with fibromyalgia found that 20 weeks of CST reduced pain at 13 of 18 tender points. It was compared with a sham (fake) treatment.
- A second 2011 study of 84 patients compared 25 weeks of CST with a sham treatment. CST improved anxiety, pain, sleep quality, and quality of life after treatment and at six months. At one year, only the improvement in sleep quality remained.
Both studies came from the same research group in Spain, and more research is needed. Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed.
How Dr. Kaminsky Approaches Fibromyalgia
Calming an overloaded nervous system
Researchers believe the condition involves how the nervous system processes pain. Dr. Kaminsky's light-touch CST aims to help the body settle out of a stressed, "on alert" state. Learn more about his work on nervous system regulation.
Easing tension without adding pain
He works slowly, and you can ask him to lighten the pressure or move to another area at any time. He may also use gentle myofascial release or trigger point therapy with tuning forks where it feels comfortable.
Sound healing and vibration
In Dr. Kaminsky's experience, CST and vibrational sound healing can be especially helpful for fibromyalgia. He may place a vibrating tuning fork on tender areas or knots as part of his sound healing work. Results vary from person to person.
What to Expect at Your Visit
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1HistoryDr. Kaminsky asks about your symptoms, flare triggers, sleep, and what your doctors have recommended. Bring your diagnosis and medication list. Here's more on what happens at a first visit.
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2Gentle hands-on careYou stay fully clothed and lie on a padded table. Pressure stays light, and you can ask him to adjust at any time.
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3A planDr. Kaminsky will talk with you about how you felt and suggest how often to come in.
Why People Choose Dr. Kaminsky
- Light touch only: No deep pressure, cracking, or twisting.
- 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.
See related care for chronic pain and stress and tension, or read 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 craniosacral therapy cure fibromyalgia?
No. There is no cure. CST aims to ease pain and stress and support better sleep, alongside your medical care. Results vary.
Will it hurt?
CST uses very light touch. Tell Dr. Kaminsky if any area is tender, and he will adjust.
What if I have a flare on the day of my visit?
Call or text the office so you can decide together whether to keep the appointment.
Should I stop my medication?
No. Never stop or change medication without talking to your doctor.
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 living with widespread pain and want gentle, unhurried care, call or text 212-328-1180 to talk with Dr. Kaminsky. Visits are by appointment at 36 East 36th Street in Murray Hill.