Pediatric Concussion Treatment in New York City
Your child's doctor has checked the injury, but healing still feels slow. Headaches, tiredness and trouble at school can hang on. Gentle craniosacral therapy can help ease these symptoms. It's light-touch care for kids and teens that works with their medical care.
Dr. Alex Kaminsky, D.C. · Certified Craniosacral Therapist · Licensed chiropractor since 2000
A concussion is a head injury, so a doctor should always check it first. Care here never replaces a medical exam or treatment.
Why kids need extra care after a concussion
Concussions are common in kids. They happen in sports, on the playground, on bikes and in everyday bumps. A child's brain is still growing, so doctors take extra care with healing. Your pediatrician guides each step back to school and sports. We focus on easing the symptoms that hang on.
The CDC says most kids feel better within a couple of weeks. Some have symptoms for months or longer. Even when the doctor's news is good, many kids deal with:
- Headaches or head pressure, plus a sore or stiff neck.
- Bright lights, noise or busy rooms that feel like too much.
- Tiredness, low energy and poor sleep.
- Trouble focusing in class, or feeling "foggy."
- Crankiness, mood changes or worry about getting back to sports.
How gentle craniosacral support may help
A hit to the head doesn't only affect the brain. It can leave tension in the layers around the brain and spinal cord. It can also leave tension in the skull bones and in the neck and shoulder muscles. Craniosacral therapy uses very light, steady touch to help these areas let go. The goal is to help fluid flow well around the brain and spinal cord. It also aims to help the nervous system calm down from "high alert" while healing goes on.
Sessions are quiet and unhurried. Dr. Kaminsky shapes each one to your child's age and comfort. A parent stays in the room the whole time. Families often pair this care with gentle support for brain fog and nervous system regulation. Simple habits at home help too, like rest, water and pacing.
If headaches or dizziness hang on, Dr. Kaminsky also offers migraine and headache care and balance and vestibular support. For teen athletes, see our sports injury care.
Helping your child at home and at school
Healing goes better when home, school and your doctor work together. These steps from children's hospitals and the CDC can help.
- Keep a simple symptom log. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia suggests tracking symptoms. Share the log with your child's doctor.
- Tell the school. Teachers and the school nurse can watch for symptoms and lighten the workload. In New York public schools, a student needs written clearance from a doctor before going back to school sports.
- Ease back in. A shorter school day or extra breaks may help at first, if your doctor agrees.
- Bring the log to your visit here, too. It helps Dr. Kaminsky see what has changed.
Frequently asked questions
Can craniosacral therapy help a child after a concussion?
Yes, it can be gentle support while your child heals. Dr. Kaminsky works with the skull, head and neck to ease tension and calm the nervous system. The focus is on easing symptoms like headaches, tiredness and trouble focusing. It always follows a doctor's exam, and results vary from child to child.
When can my child start?
A doctor should check the injury first and rule out emergencies. After that, your child can start. They don't need to be cleared for school or sports first. Many families come when headaches, tiredness or trouble focusing hang on.
Is it safe for kids and teens?
The touch is very light, with no cracking or forceful movement. A parent or guardian stays in the room. Sessions follow your child's comfort, with breaks as needed.
Do you have after-school appointments?
Yes. The office is open Monday to Thursday from 12 to 9pm and Friday from 12 to 6pm, by appointment. Late afternoon and evening times let many kids come after class. Call or text 212-328-1180 to find a time.
Where is the office?
The office is at 36 East 36th Street, Suite 201, between Park and Madison in Murray Hill. It's about six blocks from Grand Central.
Do you take insurance?
The office doesn't take insurance. You'll get an itemized superbill to send to your plan. HSA and FSA payments are accepted.
When should I go to the emergency room instead?
Go right away for any warning sign after a head injury. Signs include a headache that gets worse, throwing up again and again, growing confusion or sleepiness, or seizures. Weakness or numbness, slurred speech, unequal pupils or passing out are signs too. Medical care always comes first.
Gentle support for your child's recovery
Call or text, or send a request. The office will follow up to talk about your child. You'll learn how gentle craniosacral care can fit with your pediatrician's plan.