Craniosacral Therapy
Gentle, hands-on care that supports nervous-system balance and often pairs with myofascial release.
Learn about CST +
Manual therapy in Manhattan
Myofascial Release and Trigger Point Therapy in New York City
Myofascial release is a gentle, hands-on approach that eases fascial restrictions, reduces pain, and restores comfortable movement. In our Midtown Manhattan office it is used on its own and alongside craniosacral therapy for deeper, lasting release.
Dr. Alex Kaminsky, D.C. · Certified Craniosacral Therapist · over 25 years of experience
Often paired with craniosacral therapy and trigger point work to help the whole body settle and move more freely.
Fascial softening
Eases restrictions that tug on muscles and joints.
Reduce pain
Targets trigger points and overuse tension.
Improve mobility
Restores glide between tissue layers.
Calm the system
Gentle touch helps the body settle.
Why fascia matters
Myofascial release for everyday pain and stiffness
Fascia is the continuous web of connective tissue that surrounds and links your muscles and organs. It runs from head to toe, so a problem in one area is rarely isolated. When fascia tightens, it can create pulling, pain, and limited motion that shows up far from where the restriction actually started. Myofascial release works to restore the tissue's normal glide and the comfort that comes with it.
In our New York City practice, myofascial release is used to help patients move and feel better without cracking or forceful manipulation. It is a gentle, non-invasive form of care that meets the body where it is and gives the tissue time to unwind.
How myofascial release can help
- Loosens chronic tension in the neck, shoulders, back, and hips.
- Improves range of motion and postural ease.
- Supports recovery after injury, overuse, or repetitive strain.
- Pairs well with craniosacral therapy for deeper regulation.
Because fascia links the whole body together, easing a restriction in one region can relieve discomfort somewhere else. That whole-body view shapes how each session is approached. Learn more about how these systems connect in how the body works, or read about the broader craniosacral therapy approach that often accompanies this work.
How it works
Slow, sustained release
Myofascial release techniques use light, sustained pressure and stretching to let tissue unwind without forcing. Rather than overpowering a tight area, the pressure is held patiently until the tissue is ready to soften and lengthen on its own. That slow pace is what allows the work to be both gentle and effective.
- Gentle pressure held until the tissue softens.
- Targets areas of restriction and trigger points.
- Encourages circulation and hydration in soft tissue.
- Sessions are tailored to comfort and sensitivity.
Common focuses
What patients seek support for
- Neck and shoulder tension.
- Headaches, jaw tension, or TMJ.
- Low back tightness and hip pain.
- Repetitive strain or sports overuse.
- Scar tissue stiffness or postural strain.
- General tightness and fatigue.
Please note: Myofascial release is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment, and results vary from person to person. If you have new, severe, or worsening symptoms, numbness or weakness, or pain following a significant injury, see your physician first to rule out conditions that need medical attention.
Trigger points
Targeting knots and referred pain
Trigger points are tender knots in muscle that can refer pain elsewhere in the body. A knot in the shoulder, for example, may be felt as a headache or as aching down the arm. Gentle release reduces a trigger point's pull and helps restore ease in the surrounding area.
- Locate trigger points and the surrounding fascial restriction.
- Release the pressure gradually without forcing.
- Combine with craniosacral therapy to support nervous-system calm.
- Breath awareness and gentle movement reinforce the results.
Pairing trigger point work with craniosacral therapy and supportive breathing techniques helps the body shift out of a tense, guarded state so the soft tissue can let go more readily.
Work with Dr. Kaminsky
Sessions blend myofascial release, trigger point work, and craniosacral therapy to
restore mobility and comfort. Dr. Alex Kaminsky, D.C., is a Certified Craniosacral
Therapist with over 25 years of experience in Midtown Manhattan.
Meet Dr. Kaminsky +
What to expect
Your session experience
Sessions feel slow, specific, and deeply relaxing. The goal is easing restriction, not pushing into pain. Your therapist works at a pace set by your comfort, focusing on the areas where tissue glide is restricted and tension has built up.
- Gentle, sustained pressure and guided movement.
- Focus on areas of tension and restricted glide.
- Pace adjusted to your comfort and sensitivity.
- Simple home-care tips between visits if needed.
If your concern would benefit from ongoing support, the office can map out a plan across visits. You can read more about what to expect at your first visit.
Many clients feel lighter movement and less pulling after a session. Mild soreness is possible as the tissue adapts.
Myofascial release is offered as gentle, complementary care to support comfort and movement. It does not cure conditions, results are not guaranteed, and it does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Individual experiences vary.
Common questions
Myofascial release: frequently asked questions
What is myofascial release?
Myofascial release is a gentle, hands-on approach that uses light, sustained pressure and stretching to ease restrictions in the fascia, the connective tissue web that surrounds muscles and organs. As the tissue softens, normal glide and comfortable movement can return.
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are tender knots in muscle that can refer pain to other parts of the body. Gentle release of these knots and the surrounding fascial restriction reduces their pull and helps restore ease.
Does myofascial release hurt?
Sessions are slow, specific, and deeply relaxing. The goal is easing restriction, not pushing into pain. The pace is adjusted to your comfort and sensitivity. Mild soreness is possible afterward as the tissue adapts.
What does myofascial release help with?
Patients commonly seek support for neck and shoulder tension, headaches, jaw tension or TMJ, low back tightness and hip pain, repetitive strain or sports overuse, scar tissue stiffness, postural strain, and general tightness and fatigue.
Is myofascial release a substitute for medical care?
No. Myofascial release is gentle, non-invasive, complementary care. It is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment, and results vary from person to person.
Schedule a visit
Ready to feel looser and more mobile?
Call the office or send a request and the practice will follow up to discuss your goals, availability, and next steps.