Putting Patients First-Always

Cranial Facial Release (CFR) is a gentle technique that uses small, soft balloons to help improve movement and function in the bones and tissues of the face and skull.

During the procedure, a trained provider carefully places a deflated balloon into one nostril at a time. The balloon is briefly inflated and then removed. This quick inflation helps release areas of tension or restriction within the nasal passages, facial structures, and surrounding tissues.

The goal of CFR is to support better balance and movement in the cranial and facial bones. This may help improve airflow through the nose and support healthy circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which plays an important role in brain and nervous system health.

Many patients seek CFR to help with concerns such as sinus congestion, headaches, facial tension, jaw (TMJ) discomfort, and overall nervous system function. Each person's experience is unique, and responses to care can vary.

Cranial Facial Release is often used as part of a personalized care plan to support overall health and well-being.

Below is a shortened, patient-friendly FAQ version with a clear medical disclaimer, suitable for a website FAQ section, brochure, or consent materials.

Cranial Facial Release (CFR) is a complementary technique used to support nervous system function, breathing pathways, and cranial balance. Some patients report improvements in areas such as:

Breathing, Sinus, and Airway Concerns

• Nasal congestion, fullness, obstruction, or blockage
• Breathing disorders
• Sinusitis
• Deviated nasal septum
• Snoring
• Sleep apnea
• Loss of smell

• Headaches and migraines
• Head pressure
• Facial pain (including Trigeminal Neuralgia)
• Facial paralysis (Bell's palsy)
• TMJ disorder, orthodontic stress, and bruxism (teeth grinding)

• Vertigo (dizziness, loss of balance)
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Hearing loss or hearing impairments
• Ear infections

• Post-concussion syndrome, head trauma, and whiplash
• Seizures and epilepsy
• Stroke recovery support
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Parkinson's tremors
• Dystonia, Tourette's syndrome, tics, torticollis
• Muscular dystrophy
• Cerebral palsy
• Autism
• Down syndrome
• Other neurological disorders

• Anxiety, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Depression
• Emotional disorders, phobias, and neurosis
• Insomnia
• Poor concentration and focus
• Learning disorders, including ADD, dyslexia, and hyperactivity
• Relationship difficulties

• Neck pain
• Sciatica
• Kyphosis (hunchback)
• Lordosis (swayback)
• Scoliosis (spiral spine)
• Military spine
• Other back problems
• Osteoporosis of the weight-bearing skeleton

• Glaucoma
• Double vision
• Other vision-related problems

• Low energy
• Fibromyalgia
• Chronic fatigue

• Plagiocephaly
• Microcephaly
• Irregular or asymmetrical head shapes

No. CFR is considered a complementary technique and is typically used alongside other forms of care. It is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment.

The number of sessions varies depending on the individual, the condition being addressed, and overall health history. Your provider will discuss a personalized care plan based on your needs.

When performed by a properly trained provider, CFR is generally well tolerated. Your practitioner will review your health history and determine whether CFR is appropriate for you.

During a Cranial Facial Release (CFR) session, your experience is designed to be brief, structured, and closely monitored by a trained provider. While each session is individualized, most appointments follow these general steps:
Initial Evaluation

• Your practitioner will review your health history and discuss your current symptoms or concerns. A focused examination of the head, face, and nasal areas may be performed to determine whether CFR is appropriate for you.

• Before beginning, the procedure will be explained in clear terms, and you will have an opportunity to ask questions. If CFR is recommended, you may be asked to sign a consent form prior to treatment.

• A small, deflated medical-grade balloon is gently inserted into one nostril at a time. The practitioner carefully guides the balloon to the correct position within the nasal passage.

• Once in place, the balloon is briefly inflated and then immediately deflated. This step is quick and controlled. Some patients experience a momentary sensation of pressure or release.

• The same process is then performed on the other nostril, following the same careful and controlled steps.

• After treatment, your practitioner will review post-session instructions. You may be advised to rest, stay hydrated, or avoid strenuous activity for a short period. Additional recommendations may be provided based on your individual response and care plan.

Most patients describe Cranial Facial Release as brief and tolerable, rather than painful. During the balloon inflation, you may feel a momentary sensation of pressure or intensity that lasts only a few seconds. This sensation resolves quickly once the balloon is deflated and removed.

Reactions can vary from person to person. Some patients report a feeling of release, lightheadedness, or nasal pressure immediately afterward, while others feel little to no discomfort at all. Your provider closely monitors you throughout the procedure and can pause or stop at any time if needed.

After the session, it is common to experience temporary sensations such as mild nasal tenderness, sinus drainage, or a sense of openness in the nasal passages. These effects typically subside within a short period.

If you have concerns about comfort, be sure to discuss them with your practitioner beforehand. Your comfort and safety are always a priority.

A typical Cranial Facial Release (CFR) ballooning session usually lasts approximately 15 to 30 minutes from start to finish. The exact length of the appointment can vary based on your individual needs and the practitioner's assessment.

The balloon inflation itself is very brief-generally lasting only a few seconds per nostril. The remainder of the session is spent on important steps such as reviewing your symptoms, preparing you for the procedure, ensuring your comfort, and providing post-session guidance.

Your provider will tailor the session to you, allowing adequate time for evaluation and care while keeping the overall appointment efficient and focused.

The number of Cranial Facial Release (CFR) ballooning sessions needed varies from person to person and depends on the nature and duration of the condition being addressed. Some patients notice changes after a single session, while many begin to experience meaningful improvements within three to four treatments.

Individuals with long-standing conditions, significant trauma, or more complex health concerns may require additional sessions to achieve more sustained results. Even in these cases, progress is often gradual, with improvements occurring over time as care continues.

Your practitioner will monitor your response closely and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Cranial Facial Release (CFR) ballooning is not appropriate for everyone. While many individuals may be good candidates, certain medical conditions or structural factors may make the procedure unsuitable.

People with a history of recent facial or nasal trauma, prior facial or cranial surgery, metal plates or hardware across facial sutures, or specific cranial abnormalities may not be eligible for CFR. For this reason, a thorough evaluation is required before treatment.

Your practitioner will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and assess your overall health to determine whether CFR is safe and appropriate for you. This careful screening process helps ensure that care is both effective and aligned with your individual needs.