Skull anatomy showing nasal bones, used in Nasal Release Technique in West Des Moines, IA at Ashworth Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinic

What Conditions Does Nasal Release Technique Treat?

  • Concussions and Head Injuries

  • Chronic Headaches and Migraines

  • Sinusitis and Respiratory Issues

  • Tinnitus

  • Sleep Apnea and Snoring

  • Vertigo and Balance Disorders

  • TMJ Disorders

  • Neck and Shoulder Pain

  • Fibromyalgia and Chronic Pain

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

  • PTSD

  • Whiplash Syndrome

Nasal Release Technique FAQ

  1. A few things set this apart. Dr. Wilson has been performing NRT for years and is one of a small number of providers in the Des Moines area offering it. You won’t be handed off to a technician — Dr. Wilson performs every session himself.

    The clinic also operates on a straightforward principle: we work to get you better in as few visits as possible, then we discharge you. There are no packages to buy upfront, no pressure to extend care beyond what’s needed. If NRT is the right tool for what you’re dealing with, we’ll tell you. If it isn’t, we’ll tell you that too.

No. You can schedule directly without a referral from another provider. If you’re unsure whether NRT is appropriate for your situation, the initial evaluation will sort that out.

The initial session is 60 minutes — this includes a thorough history and evaluation before any treatment begins. Follow-up sessions are 30 minutes. The technique itself takes only a few minutes per pass; the rest of the time is assessment, communication, and making sure you understand what’s happening and why.

There’s brief discomfort during the balloon inflation — most patients describe it as pressure rather than pain. It’s fast. Most people are surprised by how quickly it passes.

The nasal passages can be tender afterward, and some patients experience temporary sinus drainage, minor nasal soreness, or a brief headache in the hours following treatment. These are normal and typically short-lived. We walk through what to expect before your first session so nothing catches you off guard.

Most patients need between 4 and 8 sessions total, and many notice a meaningful change within the first 2 to 4. We evaluate your response as we go — there’s no preset package you’re committed to before we know how you’re responding.

The conditions that tend to respond fastest are sinus pressure, headaches, and nasal airflow issues. Post-concussion symptoms and chronic TBI-related complaints generally take longer and benefit from more sessions.

Most insurance carriers do not cover NRT. We’re transparent about that upfront. You can view all of our fees for our services here.

Nasal Release Technique in West Des Moines, IA

Breathe Easier & Relieve Sinus Pressure with Nasal Release Technique

Do you struggle with persistent sinus pressure, frequent headaches, or lingering symptoms after a concussion?

These conditions can take a serious toll on your daily life, affecting your breathing, focus, and overall well-being.

The skull isn’t one solid bone — it’s 22 bones connected by sutures that allow subtle but measurable movement. The sphenoid sits at the center of that system. When its mobility becomes restricted, the downstream effects can include headaches, sinus congestion, sleep disruption, and tinnitus.

Nasal release technique restores that motion by accessing the sphenoid directly through the nasal passages. Research on the sphenobasilar synchondrosis and the primary respiratory mechanism supports the anatomical basis for this approach.

At Ashworth Chiropractic & Acupuncture Clinic in West Des Moines, IA, we offer a proven, non-invasive solution: the Nasal Release Technique (NRT).

This specialized treatment is designed to help you:

  • Ease sinus pressure and congestion

  • Improve nasal airflow and breathing

  • Reduce tension in the skull and jaw

  • Relieve headaches and TMJ discomfort

  • Restore balance to the cranial bones

Developed by Dr. J.R. Stober of Portland, the Nasal Release Technique works by gently adjusting the bones in your skull through the nasal passages. Here’s how it works:

  • 1

    A small, soft balloon is carefully inserted into the nasal passage.

  • 2

    The balloon is gently inflated for a brief moment, applying just the right amount of pressure.

  • 3

    This pressure helps realign the sphenoid bone and other key skull structures.

The result? Immediate relief from built-up sinus pressure, improved airflow, and a restored cranial balance that supports better overall health.

If you’re dealing with chronic sinus issues, breathing difficulties, or lingering post-concussion symptoms, the Nasal Release Technique might be the answer you’re looking for.

Why it works — and why most providers don’t offer it

The sphenoid is the only bone in the skull that articulates with every other cranial bone. When its mobility is restricted — from trauma, chronic sinus inflammation, or birth stress — the effects aren’t local. They distribute across the whole cranial system. Headaches that don’t respond to standard treatment, tinnitus that imaging can’t explain, sinus congestion that persists despite medication — these are often downstream effects of a restricted sphenoid.

NRT is one of the few techniques that addresses this directly. It’s also technically demanding, which is part of why relatively few providers offer it.

A Proven Technique Known by Many Names

The Nasal Release Technique (NRT) is widely recognized under different names, reflecting its effectiveness and long-standing use in helping patients find relief.

You may have heard it referred to as:

  • Endonasal Technique

  • Cranial Facial Release

  • Nasal Cranial Release

  • Bilateral Nasal Specific Technique

  • Functional Cranial Release

  • Neurocranial ReStructuring Nasal Specific Technique

No matter what it’s called, the goal of NRT remains the same: to restore natural nasal function and provide lasting relief.

This technique is designed to help patients in West Des Moines, IA, and the surrounding areas breathe easier, heal faster, and feel better overall.

Why Timely Treatment with the Nasal Release Technique Matters

The skull’s bones are most responsive to treatment when patterns of restriction are recent. That’s especially true after a concussion or head trauma — the longer compensatory patterns go unaddressed, the more the body adapts around them, and the more sessions it typically takes to unwind them.

This doesn’t mean chronic cases can’t be helped — they can, and we see plenty of them. It just means that if you’ve had a concussion recently and symptoms are lingering, sooner is better than waiting to see if things resolve on their own.

For athletes and others in high-contact situations, that window matters. Early treatment tends to mean faster recovery and fewer sessions overall.

How the Nasal Release Technique Helps

Concussions and birth traumas can disrupt the natural alignment of the skull’s bones. This misalignment often results in:

  • Posture issues that can affect your daily movements

  • Breathing difficulties and chronic sinus problems

  • Pain in the skull, jaw, or neck area

  • Mental health impacts, including anxiety or depression

The Nasal Release Technique is specifically designed to realign the skull bones, helping restore balance to your body and promote optimal neurotransmitter activity across your Central Nervous System.

This early intervention technique helps optimize recovery, reduce tension, and provide relief from symptoms caused by head trauma.

Preventing Long-Term Issues

The longer misalignments caused by head trauma go untreated, the more likely they are to contribute to chronic pain and ongoing health problems.

NRT helps mitigate these risks by promoting long-term cranial balance and improving overall health, giving you a head start in preventing persistent symptoms that could last a lifetime.

Indications and Symptoms Treated by the Nasal Release Technique

The Nasal Release Technique (NRT) has shown significant promise in addressing a wide variety of conditions.

Whether you’re dealing with head trauma, chronic pain, or breathing disorders, NRT may help alleviate symptoms and improve your overall well-being.

NRT can benefit individuals suffering from:

  • 1

    Concussions and other head injuries

  • 2

    Headaches, migraines, and head pressure

  • 3

    Fatigue, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain

  • 4

    Muscle spasms, neck, and shoulder pain

  • 5

    Poor concentration and focus

  • 6

    PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

  • 7

    Sinusitis, sleep apnea, snoring, and other breathing disorders

  • 8

    Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

  • 9

    Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

  • 10

    TMJ (temporomandibular joint pain, affecting the mouth, head, and jaw)

  • 11

    Vertigo and balance problems

  • 12

    Whiplash Syndrome

No matter the condition, NRT works to restore balance, reduce pain, and enhance overall body function, promoting healing in a gentle, non-invasive manner.

Contraindications and Possible Side Effects of the Nasal Release Technique

As with any medical procedure, the Nasal Release Technique (NRT) has certain contraindications and potential side effects that you should be aware of.

Before undergoing treatment, it’s important to discuss your full medical history with our practitioners to ensure the technique is right for you.

Contraindications:

  • Bleeding disorders or patients taking anticoagulant medications should exercise caution.

  • Those with a history of nasal or facial bone surgery, particularly involving the turbinates, may not be suitable candidates.

  • Asthma patients: While rare, asthma attacks have been reported during treatment, so we recommend that patients have an inhaler available.

Our practitioners will conduct a thorough medical history check to identify any contraindications and ensure your safety.

Possible Side Effects:

  • Nosebleeds (minor and temporary)

  • Soreness or tenderness in the nasal passages

  • Tingling in the maxillary incisors (upper teeth)

  • Gum soreness

  • Occasional headaches

  • Temporary throat irritation due to increased sinus drainage

The side effects are usually mild and short-lived. Rest assured, our therapists prioritize your comfort and well-being throughout the treatment process.

For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matthew Wilson, DC, FIACA, at Ashworth Chiropractic & Acupuncture in West Des Moines, IA, please contact us today. Our goal is to support you in achieving your best health and well-being.

Coordinated Care, Under One Roof

Chiropractic, physical therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy are coordinated under one roof with the rest of your treatment plan rather than operating in isolation. Schedule your appointment to get started.

Meet Dr. Matthew Wilson, DC, FIACA

Dr. Matthew Wilson is a skilled chiropractor in West Des Moines, IA, specializing in chiropractic care, functional medicine, and acupuncture. He is committed to helping patients achieve better health through non-invasive treatments like the Nasal Release Technique (NRT).

Credentials & Expertise

  • Doctor of Chiropractic (D.C.) from the Palmer College of Chiropractic
  • Certified Chiropractic Wellness Practitioner (CCWP)
  • Graston M1 Certified and Internationally Certified in Acupuncture (FIACA)
  • Extensive training in functional movement techniques and cranial release techniques

Dr. Wilson’s broad expertise, particularly in chiropractic adjustments and cranial techniques, makes him highly qualified to administer the Nasal Release Technique. His approach focuses on realigning the skull to optimize breathing and cranial function, helping patients find relief from sinus issues, headaches, and post-concussion symptoms.

For personalized care with Dr. Wilson, contact us today to schedule your consultation at Ashworth Chiropractic & Acupuncture.

Dr. Wilson’s Office Hours

Monday
8:30 am – 12 pm
2pm – 6 pm

Tuesday
2pm – 6pm

Wednesday
8:30 am – 12 pm
2 pm – 6 pm

Thursday
8:30 am – 12 pm
2pm – 6 pm

Friday
8:30 am – 1 pm

Health Care Coverage

Most Insurance Carriers including BCBS PPO and Medicaid

What Our West Des Moines Patients & Clients Are Saying