Rankin Physiotherapy - Page 9 of 11 - Facial Palsy Rehabilitation

Vestibular Rehabilitation Certification

Located in Atlanta Georgia, Emory University offers advanced training and professional certification in the field of Vestibular Therapy. It is home to the Emory University Dizziness and Balance Centre.

Susan Rankin travelled to the University of Southern California where Emory’s faculty delivered their intensive, one-week training program. Candidates were trained and assessed in the theory and practice of Vestibular Rehabilitation. After a very demanding week of study and assessment Susan successfully completed the program and received her certification in Vestibular Rehabilitation.

Vestibular Competency Certification Course

In 2013 I successfully completed the Emory University Vestibular Competency Certification course.

It was held for the first time at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles.

The weather was beautiful but honestly there was little time to enjoy the California climate as the six days were packed with lectures, practicums and testing. The faculty are very experienced; they guided us along in our quest for knowledge in this complex area of treatment. I have new tests, new treatments and new energy for this area of practice.

What to do about synkinesis?

Synkinesis is a problem typically experienced after a peripheral facial palsy. It is usually caused by aberrant nerve growth causing two or more movements to be connected. It can also be enhanced by habit and over exertion in attempting to help the face recover. Things that make it worse are stress, tiredness, sickness and cold temperatures. Treatment includes facial neuromuscular retraining to isolate movements and train the brain to distinguish between two movements, heat, relaxation and stretching techniques. In addition, Botox is sometimes used.

Facial International Therapists (FIT)

The inaugural meeting of the FIT (Facial International Therapists) group occurred in Boston at the International Facial Nerve conference. It was exciting for those of us who have been treating facial patients for a long time, to see that there were 30 therapists from all over the world in attendance. Our numbers are growing every year! There were patient demonstrations, new ‘bad boy’ muscles for synkinesis (buccinator) and lots of networking in between sessions. I am pleased to announce that the next International Facial Nerve conference is in Los Angeles in 2017. That’s a repeat in North America and even closer to home. For those of you who practice facial neuromuscular retraining, you are encouraged to join the Sir Charles Bell Society and add your name to the FIT list with susan.coulson@sydney.edu.au