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.

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

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.

Bell's Palsy - Before and After

Conditions and Symptoms

Conditions

Motor Control Symptoms

Sensory Symptoms

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. 

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.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name(Required)

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.

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