What is Endonasal Balloon Therapy ?
Endonasal Balloon Therapy (EBT) - also called Functional Cranial Release - is a corrective procedure that is designed to restores cranial mobility. Similar to the spinal joints, the cranial joints - referred to as sutures - are prone to restriction and locking, particularly in the sphenobasilar junction and facial / nasal regions. These restrictions are commonly caused by some form of head trauma, sports injury or concussions, often experienced in early childhood or adolescence. In some cases, from as early as the birthing process.
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EBT is a very specific Chiropractic procedure that requires extensive training, clinical knowledge in cranial joint mechanics, neurology and motion palpation. It is a delicate procedure that slowly and gently manipulates the cranial sutures to restore full cranial mobility - also known as cranial rhythm. EBT is a non-invasive holistic procedure, meaning it addresses the cause, not the symptom. Instead of trying to supress the symptoms, whether it be nasal congestion, facial pain, tinnitus or difficulty breathing, it aims to restore cranial mobility, so that proper function of the entire stomatognathic system is restored. When cranial mobility is compromised, this inevitably leads to torsion of the head, jaw and facial plates, causing both physiological and neurological symptoms.
Physiological symptoms may include: difficulty with nasal breathing, deviated septum, chronic sinusitis, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), TMJ or jaw pain, eustachian tube blockage, facial pain, persistent migraine type headaches and sleep disturbances.
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Neurological symptoms may include: brain fog, anxiety, vertigo, loss of balance, vestibular dysfunction, poor coordination (hand-eye), lack of focus and clarity when performing activities. In severe cases when left untreated, it impacts mental health contributing to early onset neurological degeneration, depression and suicidal thoughts.
A Holistic Alternative To Surgery
Correcting facial and cranial alignment to restore nasal breathing and CSF flow
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How do I know if Endonasal Balloon Therapy is right for me ?
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Are you having difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils?
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Are you finding it difficult to sleep at night or wake up frequently deprived of oxygen?
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Were you diagnosed by an ENT specialist as having a deviated septum?
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Do you suffer from prolonged sinus congestion or chronic sinusitis?
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Are you experiencing frequent episodes of brain fog or lack of energy and clarity?
If you've answered Yes to 3 or more of these questions, you’re a likely candidate for this procedure. Contact our clinic to schedule an assessment or click here to schedule a 15 min complimentary phone consultation with Dr. Filo to discuss your case.
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How long do the effects of the EBT procedure last ?
The simple answer is once cranial mobility is restored with the initial four sessions, it remains that way - barring any head trauma or concussion, the cranial sutures will not easily relapse or lock up again. Having said that, we highly recommend all our patients - for preventative reasons - to schedule an annual check-up each year following the initial procedure. Exposure to environmental, dietary and emotional factors strongly influence the tension of the dural meningeal system. Seasonal allergies, sensitivities and dietary triggers may cause localized constriction of the dural lining. Stress and high cortisol levels also contribute to dural tension. Lastly, postural habits like predominately sleeping on one side have an effect on the face and cranial structures. An annual check-up may involve one inflation if it is deemed necessary and works to 1) ensure the sutures remain fully mobile, preventing chronic tension from building up and 2) releases deeper layers of adhesion or scar tissue within the cranial sutures to promote optimal cranio-sacral rhythm.
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Does the EBT procedure have any adverse effects ?
This procedure does not use any surgery or drugs. It is a completely holistic procedure that aims to restore cranial mobility within the facial and cranial plates. You may feel slightly light headed after the procedure, but this is temporary and only lasts 15-20 minutes at most. It’s perfectly fine to remain working during the week of the procedure, however it is recommended to avoid strenuous or heavy labour as the body and nervous system adjust and begin to heal. One of the best things to do right after the procedure is to rest in a quiet space for 15-30 min and do some breathwork to help open the nasal passages and facilitate cranial mobility. No bandages, no surgery and no medications are needed.
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How long is each session ?
Each session will last between 20-30 minutes which includes the EBT procedure followed by external cranial soft tissue release techniques that help to mobillze the main facial and cranial sutures such as the spheno-basilar joint, tempo-maxillary and hard palate to promote full mobility of the facial plates. Dr. Filo uses a soft and gentle technique as each session works to slowly release the dural tension and adjust the septum and facial plates back to normal alignment.
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Do I need a referral from my doctor ?
A referral is not required to book an appointment for an exam. If you have any imaging reports like an X-ray, CT or MRI, please forward the reports to our office after making your appointment.
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Fill out our consultation form to request a 15 min complimentary phone consult with Dr. Filo.
If you're ready to get started, send us an email at info@yongefinchhealth.com
Doctor of Chiropractic
About Dr. John Filo
Dr. John completed his undergraduate studies in Kinesiology at York University before moving on to Chiropractic College in the United States. He graduated from UBCC in Connecticut in 2002 with a Doctorate in Chiropractic, followed by studies abroad in Beijing, China where he completed his diplomate in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. He has trained in various techniques including Gonstead, Sacral-Occipital, Cranial and Webster/Pediatric. In 2012, he completed certification in FCR - Endonasal Balloon Therapy in Sarasota Florida under Dr. John Lieurance to become one of the first Chiropractors in Canada to offer this unique endonasal balloon procedure to patients suffering head trauma and concussion symptoms.
In addition to his academic studies, Dr. John has a growing passion and interest in Eastern Philosophy such as Buddhism and Hindu teachings. For more than two decades, he has studied and practiced Vedanta and Contemplative practices, completing a six month training program as a Samadhi Meditation Teacher under the tutelage of Luang Phor Viriyang at the Willpower Institute. He has completed several in-depth lecture studies and courses from the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Swami Vivekananda covering texts like The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Bhagavad Gita and Bhagavata Purana. Studying and practicing the various Yogic Sciences has given him a deep spiritual and holistic perspective on life and healing. Combining his spiritual practice with 20+ years of clinical experience in Chiropractic has positioned him as a sought after practitioner and guest speaker in the health and wellness industry.
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EDUCATION
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York University, Kinesiology BSc 1998
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UBCC, Doctor of Chiropractic, Conn USA 2002
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Acupuncture & TCM, Beijing China 2002
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Functional Cranial Release, Florida USA 2012
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Pediatric and Preganancy Chiropractic 2013
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Samadhi Meditation Teacher, Willpower Institute 2018
20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN
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Post Concussion Syndrome
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Sports related head injury (Hockey, Rugby, Lacrosse, MMA)
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Facial and Cranial Realignment with Endonasal Balloon Therapy / FCR
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Deviated Septum Realignment
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TMJ disorder
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ENT conditions (sinusitis, eustachian tube blockage, tinnitus)
CHIROPRACTIC TECHNIQUES
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Manual Diversified Technique
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Motion Palpation
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Gonstead
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Cranial-Sacral
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Webster Preganacy and Pediatric
CLINIC LOCATIONS
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS & CORPORATE EVENTS
Dr. John Filo currently works out of two clinic locations: North York and Richmond Hill. Please refer to his schedule below and call or email the clinic directly to request an appointment.
NORTH YORK
Yonge Finch Chiropractic & Health Centre
5650 Yonge St. Ground floor
416-218-8870 E: info@yongefinchhealth.com
Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri and Sat 9am - 1pm
For information about booking Dr. John at your next corporate event or as part of a Health and Wellness program/retreat, please fill out and submit the contact form below with a brief description of the event.
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Speaking topics include:
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Spinal Health from the perspective of the Yogic Sciences.
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Cranial Function and Cerebral Spinal Fluid and its relationship to Brain Fog, Anxiety and Depression.
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Concussion in Sports; A Holistic Approach to Healing from Head Trauma.
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Meditation in the workplace; Cultivating Leadership Through Mindfulness and Meditation.
Dr. John Filo DC - Functional Cranial Release