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November 2023 by Janelle
Jodi has been nothing short of a Godsend to me after four months of the wrong treatment for the Lyme-associated facial palsy I developed. Her unremitting commitment to my healing and recovery process, not to mention her mastery of facial anatomy and how the muscles should work, is truly amazing. Just when I think there can't be anything else in her tool box she comes up with new focused exercises and stretches which continue to bring improvement. The team she has surrounded herself with only add to the profoundly positive experience I have had these 12 months.
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September 2023 by Alison Milofsky
I cannot express in words how much the CFFR has helped my healing process - physically, mentally, and emotionally. My only regret is that I was directed to them 6 weeks into my palsy. Physically, from the beginning, they provided tools and exercises to help with my comfort and recovery - if only I had known! Mentally, they explained from Day 1 what is going on with my nerves, so I can understand my body and manage my stress. Emotionally, they are the kindest staff that I have ever worked with in any medical setting - from Gabriel and Luis to all of the PTs I am working with- Gincy, Jodi, and Jen. They are so clearly invested in my wellbeing and recovery, and they are constantly thinking about new and creative ways to improve their patients' conditions. They are true pioneers and my hope is that I can share what they have done for me with others who have my condition, so new patients go to them immediately.
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August 2023 by Jason Nellis
Jodi and Gincy are amazing experts with years of experience helping patients with facial paralysis. They are great colleagues and provide excellent patient care. Highly recommended.
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August 2023 by Gabriela RW
Saying Jodi and Gincy changed my life is an understatement.I’m a nurse, so when it comes to medical care, I’m a tough critic . . .Four months ago I was diagnosed with Ramsay Hunt Auricular Syndrome. I saw multiple doctors and surgeons over the next two weeks.The odds of recovery were 50/50, and I was crushed after hearing my poor prognosis from multiple doctors and elite medical institutions. I was eventually referred to The Center for Facial & Functional Recovery (TCFFR).I walked into TCFFR defeated and hopeless, but desperate to regain facial function. I couldn’t chew/eat on the affected side, and I couldn’t close my left eye. The left side of my face was completely paralyzed. I was surviving on smoothies (I could only drink with difficulty with a straw). Jodi (PT) assessed me, and assured me that she could get 80% of my facial function back over the course of two years. She related that she’s a straight shooter, and that she’d never overpromise. I appreciated her realistic take after all the gray area I sat in after every consult with a new doctor. Gincy (Physical Therapy Assistant) advised me as well, and encouraged me to push forward.I was committed to weekly physical therapy, and asked for advice on the most aggressive and proactive doctors to see in the area for my condition. They shared invaluable information, and sent my case to the doctors I requested to expedite my care. This goes above and beyond what I’d expect from any physical therapist.After weeks of struggling, I finally had my dream team.One month after the insult, I was eating a burger on vacation.Two months after the insult, I was 95% recovered, and transitioned to fine-tuning in physical therapy.Three months later I was 98% recovered.Four months later, my facial palsy has fully resolved, but I continue to see Jodi and Gincy to work on unrelated TMJ.I have never felt more “in my body” than I do today, and I owe it all the knowledge, expertise, compassion, advocacy, and commitment from Jodi, Gincy, and Jen (PT).Gabriel, the receptionist, is always friendly and accommodating, and scheduled my PT appointments for the remainder of the year, on request. Luis, the Director of Business Operations, has been so helpful in providing guidance/superbills.They’re the A-team you need on your healing journey:)
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March 2023 by simmy barrocas
My son had terrible jaw and right side of his face pain and swelling. We were referred to different dentists, orthodontists, and specialists. Thank goodness we were also referred to the Center for Facial Recovery and Jen has been a lifesaver!!! Through several treatments, she has given my son so much relief, reduced his pain and increased his ability to open his mouth without pain. Facial Recovery and in our case, Jen is the greatest collaborator and medical advocate for my son. She asked to give her progress and notes to his other doctors. Jen reached out to dentists, orthodontists, pediatrician and the TMD specialist in Baltimore. Wow! She is fantastic and I highly recommend her Physical Therapy Services. Thank you Jen.
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December 2022 by Jeff Lamoureaux
Jodi, Gincy and the entire team at The Center for Facial Recovery are heroes that brought my life back to normal. It is scary to wake up one morning and to have your face not working like it should. You look for answers, but there are not many out there that know how to help you get back to feeling confident and able to face the world as you did before facial palsy changed who you saw in the mirror. They got my smile back (literally) and I will be forever grateful that they choose to specialize in this field that helps so many! Love them!
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July 2022 by Alison Baran
I was falsely diagnosed with Bell's Palsy on 12/23/2017. The pain I endured behind my left ear and the facial paralysis that came with it were just awful. I saw so many specialists - just looking for that one person who would be able to pinpoint a cause and a plan. Nine months later, after scouring the internet, I came upon The Center For Facial Recovery. They took so much time with me - assessing, listening, assuring . . . It turns out that I had suffered from Ramsay Hunt Syndrome and had not been given the appropriate treatment. I have been working with Jodi and Gincy since October of 2018. They are not only leaders in the field of facial palsy, but also just wonderful people.
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September 2021 by Gerd Fabian Volk
One of the few places on earth so specialized on the treatment if facial palsy! Offering a great variety of treatment options including diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound. And much more...
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August 2021 by Amy Sameck - Domenech
One year ago, Nov 10, 2019, I woke with the left side of my face paralyzed. This was three days into an excruciating ear ache. I was confused and scared. Over the next 5 days, the pain would increase to the point I couldn’t function. My left ear was swollen and looked like red play dough and the left side of my face was completely still with the exception of a very minor blink (minor- I couldn’t close my eye by any means, but there was a tiny movement). In short, I was misdiagnosed 3 times before getting to a respected ENT who got it right...Ramsay Hunt Syndrome...but he refused to give me antivirals. I had prednisone to help with inflammation. I had some meds to manage the pain. But I was denied 3 times for anti virals. Flash forward 3 months. I had the beginnings of some facial movement and with that the first signs of synkinesis. I was recommended to PT by my ENT, but couldn’t find one in my area, 4 wks later COVID. THE whole state shuts done. No PT in my area specializes in facial palsy and no one was seeing patients. Flash forward. At 9 months out, my movement is slowly returning, but I’d say only about 60% returned. A helpful social media group mentioned Jodi at the Center for Facial Recovery. They praised her new book (the only one on the market), Fix My Face, and her abilities as a PT to work with patients of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. But she was in Maryland. I’m in FL. One of the unexpected beauties and blessings of Covid is more medical offices were offering online medical appointments (idk if they offered them before but they do now). This blessing allowed me to see Jodi (and her me) without leaving my home to fly to MD. In 3 months, she has helped me with my very very serious case of synkinesis (I am definitely not encouraging anyone to wait as long as I did to get into PT), BUT I also didn’t have the advantages of medication to help get rid of the shingles virus from my body. I never mentioned that the paralysis happened because shingles attached my facial nerve and this is called Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. My synkinesis is not gone. But it is improved. I have improved strength and movement too. I am beyond thrilled with Jodi and the CFFR. I recommend her to everyone I learn has facial paralysis (and it’s way more prevalent than Dr’s want to admit, and yet not enough Dr’s have seen it or know how to treat it). Jodi does. Hands down. I am so thankful and grateful for Jodi and staff. One day I hope to see her in person but until then I will keep my online appointments with her and do the exercises and stretches she gives me because they work!!! Jodi, Thank you will never be enough.
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May 2021 by Sarah Goldman
I was very lucky to find the Center for Facial Recovery a couple of weeks after the onset of my facial palsy at 34 weeks pregnant. I spoke to multiple neurologists who told me that there was nothing I could do, which was extremely frustrating. When I found Jodi and her team, they quickly connected me with the best medical team and got me an appointment with an ENT who specializes in the field within two days. I then was evaluated by Jodi and Gincy, and began therapy daily with Saarah to strengthen my weak muscles, restore function to my facial nerve, and loosen the tightness in my face. I began to see immediate improvement. I have continued with weekly therapy following the birth of my son; 3 months after onset I have ~90% function restored (see before and after pic). My blink is still lagging and I have a bit of tightness, so we continue to work on these areas, as well as exercises to prevent the development of synkenesis. If you have facial paralysis, you NEED this team! I am so so grateful for all of their help and credit them with my fast recovery. We now know that my palsy was most likely caused by the herpes zoster virus, which can cause severe damage to the facial nerve which can become permanent without early intervention. Thanks to CFR, I believe I will make a full recovery. Thank you so much!
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April 2021 by Mary G.
This is a AAA team. They are highly professional, innovative, dedicated, caring and fun. The entire place is surrounded by a positive ambience contributing to the healing process. They helped me to recover the movement of my face in a short period of time. The neurologist told me that it will take about a year or more to recover may be up to 60%. They shorten substantially that period and i recovered 94%. May I also note the importance of following their advise and do all the exercises they recommend. This is a team work. Good luck
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January 2021 by Mary K Pedigo
After multiple surgeries over a period of years, I have lengthy experience with PT. The people here caused me to look at PT in a whole new way! It's effective!!I've been treated by all three therapists over the last year: Jodi, Ginsey, and Carl, with Jodi being the person I saw most of the time.Although she is famous for facial palsy and related, the work she's done with me after breast cancer surgery to mobilize fascia and reduce pain: arms, shoulder, neck, hands, and back. She has relieved the excruciating pain that had forced me to stop work. All three have been engaged, supportive, and most importantly, effective.The results have been outstanding! I agree with the previous comments about being professional, expert, caring, in every way. Bottom line for me is that I'm getting my life back, gradually. The difference is beyond anything other physical therapists have achieved. Go Jodi! Thank you Gincy and Carl for additional pain relief and caring treatment.
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January 2021 by Amy S. Domenech
One year ago, Nov 10, 2019, I woke with the left side of my face paralyzed. This was three days into an excruciating ear ache. I was confused and scared. Over the next 5 days, the pain would increase to the point I couldn’t function. My left ear was swollen and looked like red play dough and the left side of my face was completely still with the exception of a very minor blink (minor- I couldn’t close my eye by any means, but there was a tiny movement). In short, I was misdiagnosed 3 times before getting to a respected ENT who got it right...Ramsay Hunt Syndrome...but he refused to give me antivirals. I had prednisone to help with inflammation. I had some meds to manage the pain. But I was denied 3 times for anti virals. Flash forward 3 months. I had the beginnings of some facial movement and with that the first signs of synkinesis. I was recommended to PT by my ENT, but couldn’t find one in my area, 4 wks later COVID. THE whole state shuts done. No PT in my area specializes in facial palsy and no one was seeing patients. Flash forward. At 9 months out, my movement is slowly returning, but I’d say only about 60% returned. A helpful social media group mentioned Jodi at the Center for Facial Recovery. They praised her new book (the only one on the market), Fix My Face, and her abilities as a PT to work with patients of Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. But she was in Maryland. I’m in FL. One of the unexpected beauties and blessings of Covid is more medical offices were offering online medical appointments (idk if they offered them before but they do now). This blessing allowed me to see Jodi (and her me) without leaving my home to fly to MD. In 3 months, she has helped me with my very very serious case of synkinesis (I am definitely not encouraging anyone to wait as long as I did to get into PT), BUT I also didn’t have the advantages of medication to help get rid of the shingles virus from my body. I never mentioned that the paralysis happened because shingles attached my facial nerve and this is called Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. My synkinesis is not gone. But it is improved. I have improved strength and movement too. I am beyond thrilled with Jodi and the CFFR. I recommend her to everyone I learn has facial paralysis (and it’s way more prevalent than Dr’s want to admit, and yet not enough Dr’s have seen it or know how to treat it). Jodi does. Hands down. I am so thankful and grateful for Jodi and staff. One day I hope to see her in person but until then I will keep my online appointments with her and do the exercises and stretches she gives me because they work!!! Jodi, Thank you will never be enough.
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January 2021 by Nathalia Freitas
I love everyone at the Center for Facial Recovery. Their team of professionals is outstanding, and the results after each treatment are excellent.I am an out of state patient, so I plan my office visits for one full week, and I follow up online appointments between the office visits.I am so happy I found Jodi. She cares about her patient's well-being and celebrates every goal they achieve.
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October 2020 by Katie F.
I can't say enough about my wonderful Facial Palsy specialists. The Center For Facial Recovery has been my saving grace!!!! I don't know how I would have survived the last 21/2 months without them! As if waking up with half a frozen face isn't scary enough, throw in going to your primary Doctor (being totally honest which I appreciated) and saying they don't really learn about BP in medical school. After making an appointment with a neurologist for a month out mind you. I became obsessed with researching and came upon TCFFR. My first appointment was 1 1/2 and it actually ran over.... jodi and Gincy explained to me in detail what is happening to my face. I left knowing I was in the best hands possible. I ended up canceling my neurologist appointment and had Jodi set me up with her favorite specialists that are the best in the area. i am happy to report that I am 70% recovered. Please, if you are struggling with facial palsy. Do yourself a favor and make an appointment right away.
