top of page

Nasal Release Technique Near Me: How to Find a Certified NRT Practitioner

  • Hunter Houck
  • Feb 2
  • 3 min read

If you've been searching for "nasal release technique near me," you've likely arrived here after learning about NRT through a practitioner recommendation, a research rabbit hole, or the experience of running out of options with standard concussion, TMJ, or sinus care.

Finding a qualified NRT provider is not as simple as searching for a chiropractor or physical therapist. NRT is a specialized technique that requires specific training and certification — and the number of certified practitioners, while growing rapidly, is still relatively small.

This guide explains what to look for, what to expect from your first NRT session, and how to locate a practitioner who has completed formal NRT certification.

What Qualifications Should an NRT Practitioner Have?

The most important criterion is an underlying healthcare license. NRT is a clinical technique performed with an instrument in a patient care context. It should only be offered by practitioners with active healthcare licenses in their respective disciplines: physical therapy, chiropractic, dentistry, osteopathic medicine, occupational therapy, or naturopathic medicine.

Beyond licensure, look for a practitioner who has completed formal NRT certification — not just a brief online overview or a self-taught course, but a structured clinical training program with instruction in anatomy, technique, patient assessment, contraindications, and clinical integration.

Practitioners certified through Conquer Concussion's NRT program have received training from Cynthia Stein, PT, M.Ed. — the physical therapist who developed the NRT training curriculum and who has the deepest clinical experience with the technique in the context of concussion, TBI, TMJ, and structural sinus disorders.

What to Expect at Your First NRT Session

Knowing what to expect removes unnecessary anxiety from the first session — and anxiety is something you want to minimize when you're asking your nervous system to shift into a healing state.

Intake and Assessment: A thorough history including prior head injuries, birth history (if known), dental and orthodontic history, nasal and sinus symptoms, current medications, and the primary complaints you're seeking care for.

Explanation of the Procedure: A well-trained NRT practitioner will take time to explain what the procedure involves, what sensations you may experience, what the expected effects are, and what contraindications apply. You should feel that your questions are fully answered before the technique begins.

The NRT Procedure: A lubricated, finger-sized balloon is guided through one nostril to one of the six turbinate positions (three on each side, working from inferior to superior). The balloon inflates briefly — less than a second — and you will typically feel a sense of pressure, release, and often immediate widening of the nasal passage. The process is repeated through each turbinate level in sequence, alternating sides.

Post-Session Integration: Following NRT, it is common to feel a sense of spaciousness in the head, improved nasal airflow, and a quieting of the nervous system. Some patients notice changes in vision, hearing, or sense of pressure equalization. Rest and adequate hydration following the session support the integration of the structural releases.

Series Recommendation: Most clinical applications of NRT involve a series of sessions — typically three to six — with reassessment between sessions. The number and frequency depend on the complexity of the presenting condition and the patient's response.

How to Find a Certified NRT Practitioner

The Conquer Concussion practitioner directory at conquerconcussion.com is the primary resource for finding NRT-certified providers. All practitioners listed have completed formal training with Cynthia Stein and carry active healthcare licenses in their respective disciplines.

If you are not finding a certified provider in your immediate area, consider:

Virtual consultation: Conquer Concussion offers consultation services to help you understand whether NRT is appropriate for your situation and to help you identify the nearest qualified provider.

Expanding your search radius: Given the relatively small but growing number of certified practitioners, patients in some regions may need to travel to access NRT. Many find that even a short travel distance is worthwhile when they have been searching for effective care for months or years.

Asking practitioners in your care network: Many physical therapists, chiropractors, and dentists are not yet certified in NRT but are open to learning about it. Conquer Concussion's online certification makes it accessible for any licensed practitioner to train quickly.

Are You a Licensed Practitioner Looking to Get Certified?

If this article found you because you're a practitioner seeking training — welcome. Conquer Concussion's four-hour virtual NRT certification is designed for exactly your situation: a licensed healthcare provider who wants to add a powerful, underutilized structural tool to their practice, without the time and cost of traditional in-person seminars.

Find a certified NRT practitioner near you at the Conquer Concussion practitioner directory.

 
 
bottom of page