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11. Nasal Expansion Test

This test helps determine if your nasal patency is impacting postural tension in your body. 

Instructions:

  1. Perform a baseline neck or shoulder Physical Resonance Test
  2.  Manually expand your nose OR use a Nasal Dilator (you may see varying results amongst them). We prefer the intake breathing strips.
  3. Re-test your chosen neck or shoulder Physical Resonance Test.  
    1. If your test results improve, it indicates that increasing the width of your nose positively impacts your postural system. 
    2. If your test results did not improve, it indicates that increasing the width of your nose negatively impacts your postural system.  
    3. If there is no change, it indicates the variable you tested has a neutral impact.

 

Interpreting the Results

  • If you have improvement with your physical resonance tests, particularly your neck range of motion it indicates that your nasal patency is connected to increased postural tension in your body.
  • Further investigation is recommended regarding why you may be limited in your ability to breathe through your nose. Refer to Understanding Chronic Nasal Congestion for more information.
  • From a dental perspective where there is a structural issue, undergoing MARPE would be indicated as this type of orthodontic treatment will genuinely expand your nose as it is achieving skeletal expansion. Other types of expanders such as ALF and DNA appliances expand through alveolar bone/dental expansion and have not been shown to widen the nose.

 

 

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