Physiotherapy for Sinusitis: A Natural Path to Relief

September 25, 2025

Sinusitis is more than just a seasonal nuisance; it’s a condition that can significantly impact your quality of life. Whether it’s acute, subacute, or chronic, sinusitis causes inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the paranasal sinuses, leading to congestion, facial pain, and fatigue. While medication is often the first line of defence, physiotherapy offers a gentle, holistic approach to managing symptoms and restoring sinus health.

Physiotherapy offers a gentle, holistic approach to managing symptoms and restoring sinus health.

Understanding Sinusitis

Your skull houses four pairs of paranasal sinuses: frontal, ethmoid, sphenoid, and maxillary. These air-filled cavities help humidify the air you breathe and enhance your voice resonance. When the mucous membranes become inflamed due to infection, allergies, or environmental triggers, drainage is blocked, and pressure builds up.

Acute sinusitis typically lasts 10 to 30 days and is often bacterial, affecting the frontal sinuses.
Subacute sinusitis persists beyond 30 days, usually involving the ethmoid sinuses.
Chronic sinusitis lasts over 8 to 12 weeks or recurs frequently, often targeting the maxillary sinuses.

Common causes include allergic rhinitis, viral infections, smoking, cold weather, nasal deformities, and even dental infections.

Identifying the Symptoms

Sinusitis presents with a range of symptoms:

Headaches around the eyes or forehead
Facial pressure or pain
Nasal congestion and discoloured mucus.
Postnasal drip and halitosis (bad breath)
Fatigue, coughing, and ear pain
Reduced sense of smell (hyposmia)

Clinically, patients may show periorbital swelling, tenderness over the sinuses, and inflamed nasal mucosa.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy addresses sinusitis by improving drainage, reducing inflammation, and correcting contributing factors like posture and breathing patterns. Here are some effective techniques:

- - Nebulising helps loosen mucus and improve airflow.
  - Ultrasound therapy reduces inflammation and promotes sinus drainage.
  - Manual massage and tapping stimulate lymphatic flow and relieve facial tension.
  - Manual drainage with gentle traction in the suboccipital region and bridge of the nose encourages sinus clearing.
  - Cervical spine treatment addresses postural imbalances that may affect sinus drainage.
  - Dry needling targets trigger points to relieve facial pain and improve circulation.
  - Posture correction improves breathing mechanics and reduces strain on sinus pathways.

Home Advice for Lasting Relief

Patients are encouraged to complement physiotherapy treatment with at-home care:

Use a neti pot saltwater rinse for nasal irrigation.
Practice self-release and traction techniques.
Follow the prescribed medication from your doctor.
Maintain hydration and avoid known allergens.

Why Choose Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy offers a drug-free, non-invasive solution for sinusitis. It’s ideal for patients seeking long-term relief without relying solely on antibiotics or surgical interventions. By addressing the root causes, such as poor drainage, muscle tension, and poor posture, physiotherapy helps restore balance and improve overall respiratory health.

If you’re struggling with sinus pressure, recurring infections, or facial pain, physiotherapy might be the missing link in your recovery. Book a session today and breathe easier naturally.

References

Dewi, L. P. S. S., Anggunningrat, A. A. I. T., Rengga, D. R. R., & Wijayani, N. N. R. (2025). . (2025). Effectiveness of non‑invasive physiotherapy in optimising mucus drainage and sinus ventilation in sinusitis: A literature review. FISIO MU: Physiotherapy Evidences, 6(2), 169–187. https://doi.org/10.23917/fisiomu.v6i2.8559. https://doi.org/10.23917/fisiomu.v6i2.8559

Kalekar, S., & Gurudut, P. (2019). Effect of Therapeutic Ultrasound Versus Shortwave Diathermy Combined with Suboccipital Release and Manual Drainage Techniques for Chronic Sinusitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Indian Journal of Physical Therapy and Research, 1(1), 29-36. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijptr.ijptr_12_19

Rajeshree Rathi1, A. S., Sucheta Golhar31-3 Physiotherapist, Mumbai, Maharashtra, University of Health Science (MUHS), Pune, Maharashtra, India (2020). Effect of nasal septal mobilization on chronic sinusitis patients: A pilot study. International Journal of Medical and Health Research

ISSN: 2454-9142

Received: 06-08-2020; Accepted: 21-08-2020; Published: 07-09-2020

www.medicalsciencejournal.com

Volume 6; Issue 9; 2020; Page No. 16-19.

For More Help:

For more information and help, please contact Jen at the Kuilsriver Branch.

Jenilee Fortuin

Physiotherapist