PoNS™ (Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator)

Do you have difficulty walking due to mild-to-moderate MS or Traumatic Brain Injury? Find out how a combination of PoNS™ Treatment and NeuroGym® Physiotherapy may help.

How Does Pons™ Work?

A non-surgical medical device that gently stimulates the surface of the tongue, PoNS™ technology excites the neural network flowing to the brain. This neural activity is believed to enable neuroplasticity, which may restore lost function when used in conjunction with physiotherapy.

PoNS Treatment™ at NeuroGym®

Has your loss of function resulted in balance and gait issues, such as:

If you or your loved one continue to experience these issues, incorporating PoNS Treatment™ into your treatment plan at NeuroGym might be right for you. PoNS™ is an innovative and effective treatment for chronic balance deficit due to mild-to-moderate Multiple Sclerosis or mild-to-moderate Traumatic Brain Injury. The device is intended for use as a short term treatment (14-week program that combines in-clinic and in-home use of the PoNS™ device guided by a Certified PoNS™ Trainer at NeuroGym) and is to be used in conjunction with NeuroGym’s unique mobility-focused physiotherapy.

Contact us for a free phone consultation to learn more about PoNS Treatment™.

Enhanced Virtual Care & Equipment Rental

For those who are unable to attend the clinic in person, we offer enhanced virtual rehab therapy and equipment rental . Begin your recovery from home through our one-on-one tele-rehab and work with our skilled therapists in leading-edge NeuroGym® equipment.

Conditions we treat include:

Client Stories

Explore some of our client stories below to gain insight into the outcomes of our unique rehab approach.

Request an Assessment

To request an assessment, fill in our form below or call us at (613) 523-9905 and we’ll help you book your appointment.
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What Our Clients Are Saying

I have Parkinson’s Disease. Over the months I have improved in both strength and balance while my disease has not noticeably deteriorated at all. I feel fortunate to have found NeuroGym. The outlook for my disease without it could have been grim indeed.
When I first came here I had almost no strength in my legs and I could barely move my right leg. You can imagine going from not being able to move at all, to standing, to being able to walk! This is the way for me to stay in shape and stay healthy.
I found NeuroGym after my mum had a massive stroke in February 2020. After 4 months of virtual therapy with NeuroGym, my mum has progressed from someone who I thought would never get out of bed to a one person assist.
I have MS, I’ve had MS since I was 18. My doctors had said “no, it’s chronic progressive”. But NeuroGym has given me the opportunity to build strength. It’s made a huge difference.
My son was getting married and I really wanted to walk up the aisle with my husband. NeuroGym helped me do it.
Our son had a stroke when he was 14 years old. He has been involved in five to seven day a week therapy. The recovery has been amazing. It’s been beyond expectations and dramatic.
I was in a bad state and was discharged home in a coma. Then I began with Avi and the growth was exponential. The rest is history, I was here for twelve years. It’s a great place, I can’t express my thanks enough.
This place is amazing, it gives people hope and opens doors in so many ways.

Zeinab Garda, MHSc SLP

Speech-Language Pathologist

Zeinab became a Speech-Language Pathologist in order to help patients along on their journey to recovery, striving to help them find quality of life despite any challenges they may be facing. She feels she learns as much about life from them as they learn from her about speech, language, and deglutition.

After obtaining her BA with Honours in Cognitive Sciences of Language at McMaster University and her Masters in Speech and Language Pathology from the University of Ottawa, Zeinab began her career as a Speech-Language Pathologist, practicing in Ontario and Québec, in both private and community settings. Using her knowledge and experience, Zeinab has now launched her own practice: Hummingbird Speech Therapy.

Most recently, Zeinab joined the NeuroGym® team to work with our unique clientele. She brings her experience working with Stroke rehabilitation, neurodegenerative conditions, and swallowing disorders as well as her focus on offering engaging and functional patient-centered care based on clients’ interests and research-based best practices. 

When Zeinab isn’t practicing Speech Therapy, she can be found spending time with her dog, cooking and trying new cuisines, or working on digital art and acrylic paint projects.

Qualifications:

  • BA Cognitive Sciences of Language – McMaster University
  • MHS SLP – University of Ottawa
  • Registered Speech-Language Pathologist – College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario and Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec
  • SPEAK OUT!® Certification from the Parkinson Voice Project
  • MoCA Certification

 

Treatment Languages: English, French

Sara Seaman, MScPT

Physiotherapist, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist

Sara became a physiotherapist to help people achieve a healthier and more active lifestyle. She has a passion for helping individuals regain abilities they’ve lost and participate in activities they’ve been unable to due to neurological injuries or conditions.

After obtaining her BSc in Human Kinetics at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia, Sara traveled even further to complete her Master’s of Physical Therapy at the University of Limerick in Ireland. Despite loving to travel, Sara is an Ottawa native and ultimately decided to come back home to begin her career. After joining NeuroGym® in 2021, Sara has thrived in the field of neurorehabilitation, applying her knowledge and skills to a diverse clientele.

Sara’s active approach to therapy and focus on working towards improved abilities and independence aligns itself well with NeuroGym®’s movement enabling methodology. Using her education and experience, Sara develops individualized treatment plans and provides education for each client based on their specific goals and abilities.

Most recently, Sara completed The Physical Therapy Approach to Female Urinary Incontinence course from the Canadian Pelvic Health Academy and is now doing Pelvic Floor Physiotherapy for female patients.

When Sara isn’t at the clinic, she can be found travelling, hiking, skiing, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog Maggie.

Qualifications:

  • BSc in Human Kinetics – St. Francis Xavier University (2018)
  • MSc PT – University of Limerick (2021)
  • Registered Physiotherapist – College of Physiotherapist’s of Ontario
  • The Physical Therapy Approach to Female Urinary Incontinence course from the Canadian Pelvic Health Academy

 

Treatment Language: English

Radinka Jeyathas RSSW, RSW

Travailleuse social agréée

Radinka est travailleuse sociale agréée et fondatrice et clinicienne principale de Make a Move Life Counselling. Canadienne d’origine sri-lankaise et tamoule, elle possède plus de 10 ans d’expérience en services thérapeutiques en milieu communautaire et privé partout en Ontario.

L’approche thérapeutique de Radinka consiste à vous reconnecter à votre esprit afin de voir, d’entendre et d’exprimer vos schémas de pensée. Ceci permet de créer des interruptions constructives et de favoriser un développement personnel qui améliorera votre perspective et transformera votre relation à votre corps.

Qualifications: 

  • Social Service Worker Diploma – Seneca Polytechnic (2014)
  • BSW in Social Work – Toronto Metropolitan University (2021)
  • Double Inscription – Travailleuse social et technicienne en travail social – L’ordre des travailleurs sociaux et des techniciens en travail social de l’ontario

 

Langage de traitement: Anglais

Avi Nativ, PhD BScPT

Owner, Founder

The NeuroGym® concept was founded over 30 years ago by Avi Nativ PhD (Kinesiology), BScPT. Avi received his doctoral degree in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo, and was a registered physiotherapist in Ontario for more than 25 years. While doing his doctoral and post-doctoral research work, Avi’s focus was on brain organization, plasticity and rehabilitation.

Avi was intrigued with scientific research findings that indicated the remarkable capacity of the brain to adapt after injury, and envisioned how such plastic changes could be encouraged through inventive ways of enabling more patient-initiated, active movement rather than the more conventional passive therapy approaches. Through rigorous research, he developed a line of custom, patented equipment and an evidence-based, active approach which combined have been providing amazing opportunities for those with neurologic injuries (even years post-acute) to continue to improve their motor skills.

Peng Tan, R.Kin, R.M.T

Kinesiologist, Registered Massage Therapist

Peng entered the field of rehabilitation without any clear direction, initially choosing it out interest rather than passion. Over the course of his studies and practice he discovered a career path supporting individuals on their journeys toward good health and well-being.

After completing his BSc in Human Kinetics at the University of Ottawa and working as a Personal Trainer and Kinesiologist, Peng decided to expand his practice by studying Massage Therapy at the International Academy of Applied Health. He now maintains dual disciplines and is continuing his academic journey while practicing, presently pursuing his Master’s in Psychology, Diploma in Acupuncture, and Diploma in Osteopathy.

Peng takes a holistic approach to therapy, combining his knowledge of kinesiology and massage therapy to create treatments that address both the physical and mental aspects of well-being. He enjoys enhancing his skills and actively seeks out innovative approaches and incorporates new techniques into his treatments. Peng prides himself on providing personalized and effective treatments that make a positive and practical impact on the individual’s well-being.

When Peng isn’t working or studying, he can be found playing volleyball, bouldering, solving puzzles, or learning woodworking. At home, he enjoys the company of his three cats, cherishing the moments of happiness they bring.

Qualifications:

  • BSc in Human Kinetics – University of Ottawa (2019)
  • Massage Therapy – International Academy of Applied Health (2022)
  • Kinesiology (Continuing Education) – Laurentian University (2021)
  • Registered Massage Therapist – College of Massage Therapists of Ontario
  • Registered Kinesiologist – College of Kinesiologists of Ontario
  • Manual Lymphatic Drainage Level 1 course from The Dr. Vodder School – International
  • Community Multi-Sport course from the National Coaching Certification Program

 

Treatment Language: English