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Cure For Migraines? Orinda Physical Therapist Touts Treatment Without Medication, Diet Change

ORINDA (CBS SF) -- A physical therapist in Orinda says he's found an effective method for treating migraines that doesn't involve medication or changes in diet, and his patients say their lives have never been better.

Physical Therapist Sheldon Low treats patients with migraines by giving scalp massages.

"It's my theory, and my experience that taking pressure off the scalp nerves, that's taking away the impingement and causative agent for the headaches," Low told KPIX 5.

Low feels around the scalp for abnormal lumps and bumps.  He says the scar tissues are formed during childhood after a fall or injury.

"Once you hit your head it raises a bruise.  The bruise causes scarring, and you don't stretch that out.  It gets tighter as you get older," Low said.

Low says the tightened scar tissue cranks down on the nerve endings in the scalp, contributing to migraine pain.  Low pushes and moves the bumps around to loosen the adhesions.

"I'm actually working into the scar tissue and trying to break it down," Low said.

Patients like Zoe Soane swear by the treatments.  "I'm so much freer to do things now," she said.

But, neurologists say there is no hard evidence to back up Low's claims.

"Conclusion is we need more scientific evidence, but it's encouraging," Doctor Marc Lenearts said.

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