Nasal Release Technique for Post-Concussion Headaches, Brain Fog, and Sleep | E64

Waking up exhausted after a concussion can feel like betrayal: you “slept,” but the brain fog, head pressure, and headaches show up anyway. I sit down with physical therapist and nasal release technique instructor Cynthia Stein to explore a different lens on post-concussion syndrome, one that connects airway restriction, cranial sutures, and eye movement limitations to the symptoms that refuse to budge. 

We talk through what nasal release actually is, how a small inflatable device placed in specific nasal pathways aims to mobilize cranial restrictions, and why Cynthia believes it can be a game-changer for chronic headaches and breathing problems. Then we connect it to vestibular rehab in a practical way: testing eye strain in different gaze directions, re-testing after treatment, and pairing targeted eye drills with tongue clicking to support healthier mechanics and myofunctional strength. 

One of the most compelling threads is sleep. If eye movements are restricted or painful, Cynthia explains how REM sleep can be disrupted, stress hormones can spike, and restorative sleep can collapse, leaving the brain without the nightly “clearing” it depends on. We also dig into why concussion can be cumulative, why airway issues are so common, and how to find trained providers. 

If you’re navigating concussion recovery, share this with someone who’s stuck, and subscribe, and please leave a review so more people can find real help.

Find a practitioner offering the Nasal Release Technique: website

Watch a demonstration video: Video