Facial paralysis and Bell’s palsy
Neuromuscular control, symmetry and facial function may be addressed when physiotherapy is appropriate after medical assessment.
CRANIOFACIAL • TMJ • OROFACIAL FUNCTION
Craniofacial Physiotherapy in Blainville
Specialized care for the face, jaw, oral function and selected cranial conditions
The craniofacial region includes the jaw, facial muscles, mouth, cervical region and several neuromuscular functions that work together.
At Rehab Performance, Audrey Raymond-Flamand, physiotherapist, has training in integrative pediatric manual therapy (TMPI) and can also treat adults when the condition is within the scope of physiotherapy.
✓TMJ, jaw and orofacial function
✓Facial paralysis, neuromuscular control and functional recovery
✓Headaches, neck and craniofacial problems
FACE • MOUTH • JAW • NECK
What problems can be assessed?
The assessment focuses on musculoskeletal and neuromotor factors that may contribute to symptoms and function.
TMJ and jaw
Pain, limited opening, fatigue with chewing, muscular tension or symptoms associated with the neck and face.
Orofacial function
Mobility and control of the lips, cheeks, tongue and chewing muscles when these factors contribute to function.
Swallowing and breathing
Selected motor or musculoskeletal components may be addressed when they fall within physiotherapy scope, often as part of interprofessional care.
Oculomotor and head-eye coordination
Assessment may explore selected eye movements and head-eye coordination when cervical, vestibular or neuromotor factors are relevant.
Craniofacial pain and neuralgia
In selected presentations, physiotherapy can assess associated cervical, musculoskeletal or orofacial contributors to facial or head pain.
HEADACHES • NECK • CRANIAL REGION
When the jaw, neck and head interact
Some headaches can be influenced by the cervical region, jaw or other musculoskeletal structures of the head and face.
An assessment helps determine whether a physiotherapy-relevant component is present and identifies situations that first require medical investigation.
COMMON CLINICAL SITUATIONS
Care adapted to the cause and function
The plan depends on the diagnosis, symptoms, goals and recommendations from other professionals involved in care.
AFTER SURGERY
Craniofacial and maxillofacial rehabilitation
After selected procedures involving the jaw, face or skull, rehabilitation may focus on mobility, muscular control, mouth opening and a gradual return to daily functions.
- Jaw and neck mobility
- Facial muscle control
- Mouth opening and chewing
- Return to function based on surgical guidance
NEUROGENIC PAIN
Trigeminal and occipital neuralgia
These diagnoses require appropriate medical assessment. Physiotherapy does not replace medical treatment of neuralgia, but it may be useful when an associated cervical, musculoskeletal or orofacial component is present.
- Cervical mobility
- Muscular and mechanical contributors
- Jaw and facial function
- Exercises and strategies matched to the presentation
A FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT
What the assessment may consider
01Jaw and face
Mobility, muscular control, chewing and orofacial functions based on symptoms.
02Neck and posture
Cervical mobility and mechanical factors that may contribute to symptoms.
03Neuromotor control
Coordination, muscular control and specific exercises when appropriate.
04Return to function
Progression adapted to daily activities, work, eating or sport depending on the goal.
TMPI • CRANIOFACIAL • TMJ
Audrey Raymond-Flamand
Audrey is a physiotherapist with training in integrative pediatric manual therapy (TMPI). Her practice includes pediatric physiotherapy as well as assessment of selected craniofacial, orofacial and TMJ problems in adults when physiotherapy is appropriate.
When should medical assessment come first?
New facial weakness, sudden speech or swallowing difficulty, new double vision, a sudden or unusual severe headache, significant neurological symptoms or unexplained worsening require appropriate medical assessment. Physiotherapy is integrated into the plan when its role is indicated.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQ — Craniofacial physiotherapy
Is this only for children?
No. Audrey’s TMPI training is commonly used in pediatrics, but she can also treat adults with selected craniofacial, orofacial and TMJ problems.
Can physiotherapy help Bell’s palsy?
After medical assessment, physiotherapy may contribute to functional recovery through individualized work on neuromuscular control and facial movement when indicated.
What about headaches?
When symptoms appear related to the neck, jaw or musculoskeletal factors, assessment can help determine whether physiotherapy is relevant.
CRANIOFACIAL PHYSIOTHERAPY • BLAINVILLE & NORTH SHORE
An assessment adapted to your function and symptoms
For jaw, facial, oral-function or craniofacial problems, we can help determine whether physiotherapy is part of the right care plan.
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