Physiotherapy for Bell's Palsy

Do you have facial paresis as a result of Bell’s Palsy, Stroke, or another condition? Facial Paresis Physiotherapy may be right for you.

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About Facial Paresis Physiotherapy

Facial Paresis is believed to occur when the 7th cranial nerve, known as the facial nerve, is affected. This can be the result of a viral infection, a neurological condition such as stroke, or head trauma. When the facial muscles are partially or fully paralyzed, it becomes difficult to strengthen and retrain them through a traditional approach due to the lack of perceivable movement. NeuroGym® offers a unique approach using state-of-the-art biofeedback technology that allows clients to improve strength and control.

What to Expect

  • Assessment of the facial muscles
  • Enhanced therapy using our patented NeuroGym® Trainer (state-of-the-art biofeedback technology)
  • Short, efficient, and targeted 30-minute treatment sessions
  • Recommendations for at-home exercises

What makes NeuroGym®'s approach unique?

Using the NeuroGym® Trainer gives clients the ability to see a visual representation of their muscle activation in real-time, regardless of whether there is perceivable movement generated. The signals measured through surface electrodes are converted into data, processed by patented algorithms, and used to complete various tasks in the form of computer games. This process promotes neuroplasticity in a motivational and engaging way by reinforcing the neuronal pathways involved in each task.

Specificity and Intensity

The small muscles of the face can be difficult to isolate, especially when motor control and sensation are impaired. The NeuroGym® Trainer employs small surface electrodes, allowing for focus on one muscle group at a time. By playing task-specific games, the client completes a series of high-intensity, speed-sensitive contractions that promote the development of strength and motor control in the muscles targeted.

Synergy

When the facial nerve has been compromised it can be difficult to limit the execution of the movement to the specific muscles that should be involved. This results in an “all-or-nothing” contraction of many or all the facial muscles, occasionally even recruiting muscles down into the neck. The NeuroGym® Trainer can encourage one muscle group, while at the same time, discourage the activity of another, allowing the rehabilitation of facial muscles both individually and in combinations.

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Bell's Palsy - Before and After

Conditions and Symptoms

Conditions

  • Bell's Palsy
  • Stroke
  • Ramsay Hunt Syndrome
  • Myasthenia Gravis
  • Brain Tumor, Trauma, or Surgery

Motor Control Symptoms

  • Facial Drooping
  • Asymmetrical Expressions
  • Involuntary Facial Movements
  • Drooling
  • Impaired Speech

Sensory Symptoms

  • Pain and Tension
  • Dry Mouth and Eyes
  • Facial Skin Sensitivity
  • Altered Taste and Smell
  • Ear Pain and Tinnitus

Massage Therapy and Facial Paresis

Like many neurological conditions, Facial Paresis can be accompanied by pain and tension in the affected muscles. Massage Therapy can help address these symptoms with short and gentle treatments of the face and neck. Our Registered Massage Therapist, Peng Tan, can help supplement your Physiotherapy treatments through his insight and experience with neurological conditions. 

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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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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

Radinka Jeyathas RSSW, RSW

Registered Social Worker

Radinka is a Registered Social Worker and the founder and head clinician of Make a Move Life Counselling.  She has over 10 years of experience providing therapeutic services in community and private practice across Ontario as a Canadian-Sri Lankan Tamil.

Radinka’s therapeutic approach is to (re)connect you to your mind to see, hear, and express your thinking patterns to create healthy interruptions and invest growth that will improve your perspective and transform your relationship with your body.

Qualifications: 

  • Social Service Worker Diploma – Seneca Polytechnic (2014)
  • BSW in Social Work – Toronto Metropolitan University (2021)
  • Dual Registrant – Social Service Work and Social Work Registrant – Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers

 

Treatment Language: English

Zeinab Garda, MHSc SLP

Orthophoniste

Zeinab est devenue orthophoniste afin d’accompagner ses patients dans leur rétablissement et de les aider à retrouver une qualité de vie malgré les difficultés qu’ils peuvent rencontrer. Elle estime apprendre autant d’eux sur la vie qu’ils apprennent d’elle sur la parole, le langage et la déglutition.

Après avoir obtenu un baccalauréat spécialisé en sciences cognitives du langage à l’Université McMaster et une maîtrise en orthophonie à l’Université d’Ottawa, Zeinab a débuté sa carrière d’orthophoniste en Ontario et au Québec, en milieu privé et communautaire. Forte de ses connaissances et de son expérience, elle a maintenant ouvert son propre cabinet: Hummingbird Speech Therapy.

Plus récemment, Zeinab a rejoint l’équipe de NeuroGym® pour travailler auprès de notre clientèle unique. Elle apporte son expérience en réadaptation post-AVC, en soins aux personnes atteintes de maladies neurodégénératives et en troubles de la déglutition, ainsi que son souci d’offrir des soins stimulants et fonctionnels, centrés sur le patient et basés sur les intérêts et les meilleures pratiques fondées sur la recherche.

Lorsqu’elle n’est pas au travail, Zeinab aime passer du temps avec son chien, cuisiner et découvrir de nouvelles saveurs, ou encore se consacrer à l’art numérique et à la peinture acrylique.

Qualifications:

  • BA Cognitive Sciences of Language – McMaster University
  • MHS SLP – University of Ottawa
  • Orthophoniste agréée – Ordre des audiologistes et des orthophonistes de l’Ontario et Ordre des orthophonistes et audiologistes du Québec
  • Certification SPEAK OUT!® du Parkinson Voice Project
  • Certification MoCA

 

Langues de traitement: anglais, français

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

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.