The Fascia Therapy Transforming Brain Health & Concussion Recovery With Deanna Hansen

In this Episode

02:19 – The role and function of fascia in the body

06:54 – The science behind fascia decompression and its impact

10:05 – Importance of diaphragmatic breathing in brain health

17:15 – How Deanna got into fascia therapy

21:22 – What is the glymphatic system?

23:04 – Her experiences working with dementia and concussion patients

25:25 – How to decompress your eyes

29:37 – How to use the wooden blocks for therapy

34:23 – Deanna demonstrates an exercise you can do for self-care

42:03 – Answering questions on fascia, brain health, and the future of fascia science

45:41 – Importance of the feet, hands, and breathing in concussion recovery

47:57 – The role of vibration plates in improving circulation and lymphatic health

Resources:

– Top Supplements for Alzheimer’s Guide 

– Download your FREE 9-Part Full Body Fascia Video Series ($47 value)

– Book: The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

– Book: Breath by James Nestor

Connect with Deanna Hansen:

– Website 

– YouTube 

– Facebook Group (Block Therapy Community) 

– Email –  support@blocktherapy.com

Connect with Dr. Josh Helman, MD:

– Instagram 

– Facebook 

– LinkedIn 

– TikTok 

– YouTube 

– Others 

Disclaimer: Please remember that this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare professional before making any changes to your treatment plan.

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The Fascia Therapy Transforming Brain Health & Concussion Recovery

Struggling with brain fog, memory issues, or slow concussion recovery? You’re not alone—and the problem might be deeper than you think. Turns out, your fascia—the connective tissue wrapping every cell, muscle, and organ—could be the hidden culprit behind chronic pain and cognitive dysfunction.

In this fascinating episode, Dr. Josh Helman sits down with fascia therapy pioneer Deanna Hansen to unpack the body-brain connection. From how trauma is stored in tissue to the surprising role of your toes in brain health, this conversation is packed with insights you won’t hear in a typical neurology consult.

🎯 Key Takeaways From the Episode:

• Fascia decompression can accelerate concussion recovery by improving oxygen flow and releasing stored trauma (12:06).

   

• Breathwork is critical—diaphragmatic breathing restores cellular alignment and supports detoxification (09:41).

   

• Toe and finger release techniques can reset your posture and neurological patterns, aiding cognition (47:19).

   

• Fascia work may improve sleep quality, a known factor in Alzheimer’s prevention (13:52).

Fascia and the Brain: What’s the Connection?

1. Fascia Stores Trauma That Affects Brain Function

Deanna explains how fascia doesn’t just hold your body together—it also holds onto trauma. When trauma (physical or emotional) isn’t fully processed, your breath becomes shallow, posture collapses, and tension builds. Over time, these changes can limit blood and oxygen to the brain—affecting everything from memory to sleep.

“If I don’t release that tension, my breath is compromised… and my cells aren’t detoxifying properly.”
—Deanna Hansen

2. Decompression Heals: Create, Inflate, and Maintain Space

Deanna’s method follows three pillars of fascia decompression:

1. Create space: Use pressure over time (via wooden blocks or towels) to shear fascial adhesions and improve alignment.

    

2. Inflate space: Breathe into those newly freed areas using diaphragmatic breathing.

    

3. Maintain space: Strengthen postural foundations so your cells remain properly aligned.

    

This holistic method not only improves movement but restores nervous system health—critical for concussion recovery and long-term brain function.

Learn more about Block Therapy

3. The Brain Isn’t Just in Your Head—It’s in Your Feet and Hands

Fascinatingly, the extremities act as anchors for the nervous system. If your toes are tight or fingers are curled, they can trap tension patterns that travel all the way up to your brain.

Deanna walks us through a simple method:

• Insert a pencil or finger between your toes or fingers.

   

• Hold for 3 minutes while exhaling longer than you inhale.

   

• Repeat on each webbed space.

   

“Releasing the toes and fingers supports the brain. They’re the furthest from the engine, but they hold everything in place.”

4. The Tongue Holds the Key to Lymphatic Flow

One of the most surprising therapies Deanna shared was her tongue release technique. By gently inserting fingers between the gum and tongue, then breathing deeply, people can release deep tension from the jaw and throat—often clearing brain fog in minutes.

This is especially powerful for people with:

• Concussion

   

• Jaw tension

   

• Tongue-tie

   

• Speech challenges post-TBI

   

She recommends doing this for 3 minutes daily—results are often immediate.

Fascia and the Brain: What’s the Connection?

Many Alzheimer’s patients have a history of early-life head trauma. According to Dr. Helman, concussions—even from decades ago—can contribute to cognitive decline later in life.

Deanna’s fascia decompression has helped people with brain injuries regain speech, mobility, and clarity. She shared one story of a 23-year-old with a severe axonal brain injury who saw massive improvement in speech and posture after just weeks of fascia therapy.

“Within three weeks, all concussion markers improved across the board.”

If sleep is the #1 risk factor for Alzheimer’s—and fascia work can improve deep sleep—that connection is impossible to ignore.

Conclusion: Fascia Is the Missing Link in Brain Health

Fascia might just be the most overlooked part of your healing journey. From concussion recovery to improving sleep, posture, and detoxification, this connective tissue is key to unlocking brain health.

If you’re dealing with brain fog, trauma, or pain that won’t go away, fascia decompression might be your answer.

Want to try it yourself? Deanna offers a free self-care class using a towel as an at-home tool. Visit BlockTherapy.com for details.

If this episode resonated with you, check out the Alzheimer’s Breakthrough with Dr. Josh Helman, MD, and subscribe for more breakthroughs.

What’s your experience with fascia or concussion recovery? Let us know in the comments.