Helston Chiropractic Clinic
Cranial Facial Release Technique (CFR)
Cranial Facial Release (CFR) is an advanced endo-nasal “Balloon Assisted” cranial adjusting technique that can be used successfully in the treatment of various neurological and structural disorders.
The objective of CFR technique is to unlock cranial fixations and induce mobility in the cranial system - primarily targeting the sphenoid bone, with the purpose of facilitating normal cranial respiratory motion and restoring the natural rhythms of the craniosacral system.
To understand how CFR works, it is important to realize that the skull is NOT one solid bone. It is made up of 22 individual bones that actually move every time you breathe – or at least they are supposed to. But cranial fixations are a common occurrence and often the root cause of many chronic neurological conditions and recurrent pain syndromes that don’t respond to conventional chiropractic adjusting procedures.
This technique is performed by inserting tiny balloons in the nose (specifically the naso pharynx) that are quickly inflated to mobilize the bones of the face and cranium. It is a very fast procedure and feels similar to the sensation of jumping into a swimming pool and having water shoot up your nose – it isn’t exactly painful, but not the most comfortable sensation either – but it’s quick! The whole process takes about 2 to 3 seconds, and is performed in a series of 4 individual sessions.
The majority of people who come in for CFR treatment are often last resort patients who have been through the gamut of conventional medical procedures without success, and are looking for a more conservative, yet dynamic approach to care that can be cost effective and works!
Cranial Facial Release, like many treatments does not claim to 'treat' any specific conditions specifically, but typically many people are drawn to CFR for upper respiratory breathing disorders. It has also been used successfully to help with sinusitis, snoring, sleep apnea, migraine headaches, facial pain (Trigeminal Neuralgia), facial paralysis (Bell’s Palsy).
CFR style of cranial balloon adjusting gained notoriety approximately 5 years ago when it was featured on the E-Channel and attracted worldwide attention. This can be seen by clicking on the you tube link (right)
What can I expect from CFR at Helston Chiropractic Clinic?
Many individuals that choose CFR typically feel anxious about what to expect and although this is common, it is very much worth understanding how things work to reassure you.
The treatment is typically performed as a series, and this is usually for appointments. The closer that these can be to each other, the better and ideally they will be four appointments in the space of 1-2 weeks. Each session will be preceded and followed by appropriate chiropractic and cranial adjustments.
Each nostril leads to the nasopharynx and has three channels or conchae. The most appropriate channel is selected and a balloon is inserted using a small toothpick into one of these. For some this can sometimes be the most uncomfortable part as each person can have obstacles and turns individual to them. The balloon is then ready to be inflated which happens over about 1-2 seconds before being quickly deflated. The feeling is described as being an increase in pressure, rather than pain. Despite the process appearing somewhat aggressive, the balloon follows the path of least resistance and travels towards the upper part of the throat. It does not enter the sinuses or any other cavity. This is followed by the appropriate channel on the other side being adjusted in the same manner.
Three further sessions follow over the following days.
After the balloon-assisted cranial adjusting technique is performed, you can expect relief from your symptoms immediately. However, seeing the full effects may take a few days or longer because the body is slowly adjusting to the new position of the facial bones.
Most people report that their issues are treated with 4 treatments, although additional series of treatments might be required.