Are traditional Concussion Clinics effective? A new Concussion Clinic Christchurch Perspective on Real Recovery
- Dr John Gibson DC
- Jul 12
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 17
Why Most Concussion Clinics Fall Short – And How a Structural Approach in a Concussion clinic Christchurch is Changing the Game

If you've been researching concussion treatment, chances are you've encountered a range of clinics offering similar protocols: rest, observation, medication, light stimulus, management, monitor or light physical therapy. While these are not without value, they often fail to address the core issue behind persistent post-concussion symptoms.
Its been estimated that 97% of concussion clinics focus primarily on symptom management—not on correcting the underlying structural cause of the problem. For those experiencing persistent brain fog, headaches, visual disturbances, or mood swings after a concussion, this traditional approach often proves frustrating and ineffective.
At Musculoskeletal Solutions Christchurch, we take a vastly different approach—one that focuses on cranial and facial structural realignment through a revolutionary treatment known as NasalRX (Cranial Facial Release).
The Limitations of Conventional Sports Medicine Clinics
Traditional concussion care—especially in sports medicine clinics—relies heavily on:
Graded exercise and stimulus therapy
Rest, cognitive pacing, and screen time limits
Vision/balance training
Pharmacological symptom control
These techniques aim to reduce symptoms by helping the brain "recalibrate" through passive support. But they don’t treat the underlying mechanical disruption caused by the injury.
When an impact affects the head, it doesn't just affect the brain. It can also alter the alignment of the cranial and facial bones, impeding cerebrospinal fluid flow, blood flow, disrupting nasal airflow and nitric oxide production, and creating pressure imbalances in the skull.
This structural dysfunction is a root cause of many post-concussion symptoms—but is rarely treated in conventional settings.
A Structural Problem Needs a Structural Solution
The human skull is not a single fused bone—it’s a dynamic, flexible structure composed of 22 bones. These bones allow for micro-movements that can be affected by trauma. Even seemingly minor impacts can cause:
Compression of cranial sutures
Obstruction of sinus drainage pathways
Blockages in cerebrospinal fluid movement
Altered pressure affecting the brain and surrounding tissues
Until this structural misalignment is addressed, no amount of symptom management can create long-term resolution.
This is where NasalRX (Cranial Facial Release) comes in.
What is NasalRX (Cranial Facial Release)?
NasalRX is a non-invasive, low-risk procedure that uses small, inflatable balloons inserted briefly into the nasal passage to realign facial and cranial bones. This unique procedure:
Gently mobilises cranial bones to restore natural alignment
Reopens nasal airways, increasing oxygen intake and nitric oxide production
Improves cerebrospinal fluid circulation
Alleviates head pressure and sinus blockages
Unlike traditional concussion treatments, NasalRX goes beyond symptom suppression and actively targets the root structural dysfunction.
Clinical Results: Why Patients Are Turning to NasalRX
At Musculoskeletal Solutions Christchurch, our clinic is one of the few in New Zealand offering this groundbreaking technique. The outcomes have been remarkable:
Faster recovery from post-concussion syndrome
Improved mental clarity, energy, and focus
Reduction or elimination of headaches, sinus pressure, and brain fog
Restoration of proper breathing and sleep patterns
Many of our patients come to us after exhausting conventional sports medicine and concussion clinic options. Most describe their results with NasalRX as life-changing.
The U.S. Military Uses It—Why Aren’t More Clinics?
This technique isn’t just an experimental fringe method—it’s already being used by the U.S. military to treat soldiers suffering battlefield-related concussions caused by blast injuries and gunfire. The military’s adoption of CFR highlights its potential in treating even the most complex, trauma-induced head injuries.
So why are most concussion clinics not offering it?
The answer lies in tradition. The conventional model of concussion care has been slow to adapt, often relying on outdated, symptom-centric protocols that overlook the structural mechanics of the skull.
Sports Medicine vs Structural Realignment: The Clear Divide
Sports Medicine Concussion Clinic | Musculoskeletal Solutions Christchurch |
Symptom monitoring & management | Treats the physical cause (cranial alignment) |
Cognitive & sensory rest | Reopens nasal airways for optimal oxygenation |
Passive recovery | Structural correction through NasalRX |
Focus on neurofeedback & medication | Focus on long-term functional recovery |
While sports medicine clinics play an important role in early detection and short-term management, they rarely offer solutions for long-term, unresolved symptoms.
Why Structure Matters: The Brain-Body-Airway Connection
Proper alignment of the facial and cranial bones is essential for:
Airflow regulation and nasal breathing
Nitric oxide production (critical for oxygen delivery and brain health)
Sinus health and immune defense
Cerebral circulation of blood and cerebrospinal fluid
Without these systems functioning optimally, the brain operates under stress—leading to chronic fatigue, inflammation, poor cognition, and immune suppression.
Why Concussion Treatment in Christchurch Needs to Evolve
As the demand for effective concussion treatment in Christchurch grows, patients need more than another neurocognitive test or prescription.
They need:
Structural assessment
Targeted realignment therapy
Clinicians who treat the cause, not just the symptoms
At Musculoskeletal Solutions Christchurch, we offer a complete rethinking of how concussion recovery should work, with NasalRX as a cornerstone of our approach.
Explore more about our services at:
Concussion Treatment Christchurch
NasalRX Therapy
Final Word: Rethink Recovery
If you’ve been to a concussion clinic that focused only on observation and passive management, it’s time to consider a new way forward. Structural issues require structural solutions. That’s what makes Musculoskeletal Solutions Christchurch so different.
We offer not only a new technique—but a new philosophy of care.
Book your assessment today and discover what true recovery can feel like.
Keywords: Concussion treatment Christchurch, Concussion clinic Christchurch, NasalRX, Cranial Facial Release, sports medicine concussion, post-concussion syndrome Christchurch
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