NeuroGym FIT (Functional Independence Training)

An education and support program for Long Term Care and Convalescent Care facilities offering accessible mobility training programs.

Why FIT?

Director of NeuroGym® FIT Eric Heiden discusses the importance of integrating NeuroGym® equipment and methodology into the rehabilitation and activity programs of the ageing community. With NeuroGym® FIT programs, we bring our know-how and equipment directly to convalescent care and long term care facilities, making mobility training accessible to all residents.

The NeuroGym®
FIT
Program

NeuroGym® FIT Programs work directly with therapy, nursing restorative, and activity staff to create accessible mobility training programs for residents of long term care and convalescent care facilities.

Benefits:

The NeuroGym® Difference

Neurogym®’s active approach and patented technology allow patients to take action in their own recovery. Whenever possible, the patient, not the therapist, initiates movement, which can help rewire the brain and speed up recovery.

NeuroGym® FIT Director Eric Heiden

NeuroGym® FIT Director Eric Heiden has worked in fitness and rehabilitation for over 16 years. He has worked directly with a wide range of clients toward goals that range from improving fitness, to recovering function after a major injury, to maintaining physical independence.

Eric has published research on balance training and fall prevention and presented results from ongoing NeuroGym® FIT programs at numerous conferences, including the 2013 World Stroke Congress. In addition to his work with NeuroGym® FIT, Eric has been a sessional lecturer in the University of Ottawa’s Faculty of Health Sciences.

The NeuroGym FIT Mobile App Privacy Policy can be reviewed here.

Conditions we treat include:

Client Stories

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

Get in Touch

Interested in learning more about our NeuroGym® FIT Programs? Send us an email at info@neurogymrehab.com if you’d like more information

What Our Clients Are Saying

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.
My son was getting married and I really wanted to walk up the aisle with my husband. NeuroGym helped me do it.
This place is amazing, it gives people hope and opens doors in so many ways.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.

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