Clinician assessing a client nose with both hands.

Endonasal Balloon Therapy in Longmont, CO

Targeted, specialized care for chronic sinus and head-related symptoms, delivered with clear explanations, a patient-first approach, and advanced experience.

A rare specialty that can be a game-changer for the right person.

Endonasal Balloon Therapy is a technique that uses a small balloon, precisely placed inside the nasal passages and gently inflated, with the goal of influencing the cranial bones (especially the sphenoid) and creating more space within the cranium. In our office, it’s used to support patients dealing with stubborn head and sinus-related symptoms, including cases where they feel like they have tried everything already.

At Left Hand Chiropractic Center, Dr. Drew Illman has specialized in this care for over 10 years and has treated hundreds of cases. It’s not “typical chiropractic,” and that’s the point. If you are a fit for this technique, we’ll walk you through exactly what to expect, how the treatment series works, and what kind of progress to watch for.

Service areas: We are located in Longmont, and patients regularly visit us from Firestone, Frederick, Niwot, Gunbarrel, Hygiene, Lyons, Mead, and Boulder.

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Common goals and potential benefits

  • Support for sinus drainage and sinus pressure relief.
  • Help reducing “head pressure” sensations and tension patterns.
  • Improved airflow and breathing comfort for some patients.
  • Support for head-related symptoms when other approaches have not helped.
  • A clear treatment plan, delivered in a structured series.
Medical illustration of the nasal passage showing inflamed sinus tissue and surrounding facial muscles

Endonasal Balloon Therapy is commonly used for

  • Headaches & Migraines
    • If your headaches may be connected to neck tension, posture, or spinal mechanics, we’ll assess the root patterns and build a plan around them.
  • Chronic sinusitis
  • Deviated septum support
  • Snoring
  • Sleep apnea support
  • Vertigo
  • Tinnitus
  • Concussion-related symptoms
  • Bell’s Palsy
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia

Note: Some conditions above require medical evaluation and ongoing medical management. If your case needs imaging, ENT, neurology, or urgent medical care, we will tell you plainly and help guide next steps.

Our Process

From First Visit to Full Recovery

Clear steps. No mystery. No chaos.

From the moment you walk in, we want you to feel welcomed, supported, and confident in what’s happening, and why.

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Arrive and Get Settled

You’ll walk into a bright, energetic space, get greeted by our front desk team, and we’ll offer sparkling water and a quality snack while you get comfortable.

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Prepare for Your Assessment

At your appointment time, your doctor will meet you in the lobby, introduce themselves and walk you back to an adjusting room. We start by explaining exactly what to expect during your appointment. The first 10 minutes of the conversation are simply to confirm you qualify for our care and that we’re the right clinic for what you need. If we’re not, we’ll give you the contact information for exactly who you need to see.

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Assessment and Exam

You’ll share what’s bringing you in, and we’ll ask thorough questions to get closer to a clear direction. If we’re confident we can help, we’ll move into an exam right there in the same room, and you stay fully dressed.

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Next Steps, Clearly Explained

Based on what we find, we may provide an adjustment that day if it’s safe and appropriate, or refer you out for X-rays if needed. Either way, you’ll leave understanding what’s going on and what we recommend.

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Schedule and Support

Your doctor will walk you back to the front, say goodbye, and our team will help schedule your next visit so you know exactly what happens next.

What Our Patients Are Saying

Meet The Team

Portrait of Dr. Christine Illman, a Left Hand Chiropractic doctor, representing personalized and patient-centered care

Dr. Christine Illman, DC | Chiropractor & Co-Owner

Dr. Christine is known for her focused, supportive care for pregnancy, postpartum, and pediatric chiropractic, with advanced training that helps moms and kids feel more comfortable and more confident in their bodies. She is Webster Technique certified and has completed additional pediatric and prenatal training through the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA). Dr. Christine also specializes in working with neck pain, headaches, and migraines, and brings a calm, capable energy to every visit

Portrait of Dr. Drew Illman, a Left Hand Chiropractic doctor, representing personalized and patient-centered care

Dr. Drew Illman, DC | Chiropractor & Co-Owner

Dr. Drew blends traditional chiropractic with a whole-body approach that supports both performance and long-term health. He works closely with athletes of all levels, including professional cyclists and world champions, and he is widely known for his expertise in Endonasal Balloon Therapy, supported by ongoing learning and collaboration with global practitioners. He also integrates functional medicine thinking when appropriate, aiming to understand root causes and support stronger systems, not just short-term symptom relief.

Portrait of Dr. Pat Larabee , a Left Hand Chiropractic doctor, representing personalized and patient-centered care

Dr. Pat Larabee, DC | Chiropractor

Dr. Patrick Larabee brings over 30 years of experience in chiropractic care and more than two decades as a Professor of Anatomy & Physiology. His career has been deeply rooted in health, fitness, and human performance—first as an athlete and coach, and later as a trusted mentor to patient athletes of all ages and levels. Dr. Larabee has played a key role in helping patients and athletes build strong foundations for pain free movement and life. His approach blends deep anatomical & physiological knowledge with real-world chiropractic & athletic experience. A USA Cycling Level 1 Coach and two-time Masters National Track Cycling Champion, Dr. Larabee has competed across a wide range of sports including volleyball, track and field, powerlifting, bodybuilding, and cycling. He continues to compete at the national and world level in track cycling, bringing current, high-performance insight to every patient & athlete he works with.

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Ann | Patient Care Coordinator

Ann keeps the clinic running smoothly and helps make sure patients feel taken care of from start to finish. You’ll see her supporting the flow of care and helping ensure visits feel organized, welcoming, and efficient.

Portrait of Amy, a Left Hand Chiropractic Practice Success Manager, representing personalized and patient-centered care

Amy | Practice Success Manager

Amy is often the first friendly face you'll meet. She greets patients and helps them feel comfortable as soon as you step through our door. Amy supports scheduling, answering phones and taking care of patients (with a side of humor)!

Portrait of Doza the dog.

Doza | Director of Pawsitive Vibes

Meet our mini Goldendoodle, Doza. Hypoallergenic and endlessly friendly, Doza helps patients feel at ease with her calm presence, happy greetings, and impeccable listening skills.

Areas We Serve

We’re located in Longmont, CO and welcome patients from Firestone, Frederick, Niwot, Gunbarrel, Hygiene, Lyons, Mead, and Boulder.

FAQs

Common Questions We Hear Every Week

Transparency builds trust — we’re here to help you understand your care before, during, and after treatment.

What is Endonasal Balloon Therapy, in plain language?

It’s a technique that uses a small balloon inside the nasal passages, gently inflated in precise locations, with the goal of influencing cranial structures and supporting head and sinus-related symptoms.

Does it hurt?

People report anywhere from mild discomfort to immediate relief during the procedure. We explain each step before we do anything.

How long does it take?

Your visit is typically scheduled for about 20 minutes, but the procedure itself takes only a few minutes.

How many sessions do I need?

Most people need a short series to see the best results. A typical recommendation is at least 6 visits over 3 weeks, then we reassess based on your response.

Is this safe for everyone?

Not always. We screen carefully. If you have a bleeding/clotting disorder, take blood thinners, or have had significant nasal or facial surgery, tell us in advance. If it’s not appropriate, we will not push it.

What if my issue needs a medical specialist?

We will tell you plainly. If your symptoms suggest you need ENT evaluation, imaging, or medical management, we will help guide you toward that.