Specialized recovery for Bell's Palsy, Ramsay Hunt and Synkinesis

I highly recommend Crystal Touch Clinic to anyone suffering from Paresis. Dr Alex Pashov and his team are very experienced, they have developed a method of improvement that is very effective. They adapt the rehabilitation program to the needs of the sufferer and provide psychological support and care. They bring smiles back to their patients.

(Translated by Google, see original)

Two years ago, my life changed overnight when I was diagnosed with Bell's palsy caused by Ramsay Hunt syndrome. It was one of the most difficult experiences of my life. I lost my smile, my confidence, and, at times, even my hope. Although I gradually recovered to some extent, I was left with facial weakness, synkinesis, tightness, discomfort, and the constant reminder of what I had been through. I had almost accepted that this was as good as it was ever going to get. Then, by what I truly believe was God's blessing, I found Crystal Touch Clinic. Travelling there turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made. From the moment I walked through the doors, I was welcomed with such warmth, kindness, and genuine compassion that I immediately felt I was in the right place. For the first time in two years, I met professionals who not only understood facial paralysis but had devoted their lives to helping people like me. Meeting Alex Pashov was incredibly reassuring. Before my visit, I had read many of his scientific articles and educational posts about Bell's palsy and facial paralysis and even had a video consultation. His knowledge gave me hope even before I arrived. During my assessment, he carried out detailed nerve conduction studies, facial measurements, and a comprehensive evaluation of my facial function. He explained everything so clearly and patiently that I finally understood what had happened to my face and, more importantly, what could still be improved. Working with Dr. Elena Pashova was an equally wonderful experience. She welcomed me not just as a patient but as a person. She carefully explained their Neuro-Proprioceptive Facial Rehabilitation Method and began my treatment with exceptional care and expertise. During the sessions, I felt deeply relaxed, and for the first time in a very long while, the tightness and discomfort in my face began to ease. Her gentle, precise treatment gave me not only physical relief but also emotional comfort and renewed confidence. What touched me most was the genuine care and dedication shown by both Alex and Dr. Elena. They understand that facial paralysis affects every aspect of a person's life—not just the ability to smile, but confidence, self-esteem, communication, and emotional well-being. They listen, encourage, and treat every patient with remarkable professionalism and kindness. After living with the effects of Bell's palsy and Ramsay Hunt syndrome for two years, I had almost given up hope of making any further progress. Crystal Touch Clinic has changed that. They have given me renewed hope and the belief that recovery is still possible, even years after the initial diagnosis. I cannot thank Alex Pashov, Dr. Elena Pashova and Jana Fialova enough for their expertise, compassion, and unwavering commitment to helping people with facial paralysis. If you are living with Bell's palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, synkinesis, or any long-term effects of facial paralysis, I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider Crystal Touch Clinic. No matter how far you have to travel, it is absolutely worth it. Sometimes, healing begins the moment you meet people who truly understand your journey. For me, Crystal Touch Clinic has been exactly that—a blessing, a place of hope, and the beginning of a new chapter in my recovery. “Recovery is not just about regaining movement—it is about regaining hope. Crystal Touch Clinic has given me both.”

In 2023, I suffered from Bell's palsy that unfortunately did not resolve on its own. I experienced significant after-effects such as synkinesis, pain, and a watery eye. Since there is no treatment available in 'conventional' medicine, I am glad I found the clinic in Rotterdam. I was a little nervous about going there, but I am very happy that I did. They take plenty of time for you and explain where the symptoms come from. The treatment is a significant time investment, requiring a lot of self-care at home. But it really does help! My face is no longer the way it was before the paralysis, but the after-effects have virtually disappeared. I can wholeheartedly recommend this treatment to anyone walking around with after-effects of facial paralysis.

(Translated by Google, see original)

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the exceptional care I received from Crystal Clinic following my Bell’s Palsy attack. After hearing negative news from two previous consultants, Dr. Pashow’s confident assurance that I would improve brought me great hope. I was also given face massage techniques which made an invaluable difference. Regrettably, due to my current circumstances, I am unable to travel to the clinic in Rotterdam, but please know your support is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your dedication and kindness.

Crystal Touch’s first module online rehabilitation program is perfect for people living outside of Europe. It was perfect for me because I couldn’t afford to travel from the United States to the Netherlands. The zoom calls with my facilitator Jana were so convenient. Jana’s teaching sessions were detailed and the facial exercises were described in a thorough manner so that I could practice these exercises on my own. I especially loved the detailed facial images so I could refer back to them and memorize them! Jana was kind, funny, engaging, patient, empathetic and positive. She made sure that I understood why we were doing certain exercises and answered any and all of my questions. Jana helped me to feel hopeful again. As the sessions continued, when I was astonished by my progress, she just kept encouraging me to continue further for even greater leaps and bounds in my facial progress and symmetry! I am extremely satisfied with the results of my face and I know my future face will look more and more symmetrical thanks to Jana at Crystal Touch. I have more facial movement, symmetry and love the way I look in the mirror. Best of all, I feel no more aching facial pain! That old palsy pain is miraculously gone! I now have my confidence back after three long years of wondering if I would ever look like myself again! I will be forever grateful for the work of your practice for the betterment of people’s lives that fall prey to Bell’s Palsy and Synkinesis. I once had a surgeon in the states say to me that there was no hope for the dimpling of my chin without surgery. And now just a mere 6 months later, the chin dimples are almost gone thanks to Jana and her knowledge of muscle movement! I cannot think of anything to change in the rehabilitation program and in fact I admire that LOVE and POSITIVITY are a huge factor in this program to jumpstart our bodies toward healing and recovery! I will forever be grateful for Jana and this fabulous program! Thank you! Susana Valdes Tyler, TX

I highly recommend this clinic to anyone who is looking to improve their facial synkinesis. It's a gentle but very transformative experience. The changes I've experienced have been remarkable. Even though I've finished my 'treatment,' I plan on returning for annual tune-ups. My only regret is that I didn't find it sooner since I've been suffering with synkinesis for over 18 years.

I'd like to leave a review of this clinic and, specifically, the wonderful Dr. Pashov, who helped me recover. Following a circular blepharoplasty, I suffered damage to the frontal branch of the facial nerve, which completely immobilized my left eyebrow. I underwent treatment in my home country for two months, but there was no improvement. I searched online for specialists who could help me. They all asked me to come in for a consultation. Some doctors believed recovery was impossible. I stumbled upon the Crystal Clinic website, learned about their practice, and then contacted them for help. The response was immediate. The doctor responded very quickly. We communicated via email, and I received recommendations for several facial exercises. The medication therapy I received continuously for two months in my home country produced absolutely no positive results. The doctor recommended facial exercises and physical therapy several times a day. After two weeks, my eyebrow started moving. I was absolutely amazed by the results of these magical exercises. I am very grateful to Dr. Pashov, who provided me with such tremendous help. I recommend this clinic to everyone, to anyone who has lost hope of recovery. Contact them, you won't regret it. I wish the doctor and his team continued prosperity and great success in their valuable work and their very important work.

(Translated by Google, see original)

I can't recommend Crystal Touch enough. I worked with therapists at three different health care systems in the US, and each eventually discharged me because "there is nothing more we can do." Crystal Touch fully understands the physical implications of facial palsy (tightness, synkinesis, inability to do basic functions) and the emotional feelings behind it. I was fortunate to go in-person to their clinic for my pre- and post-sessions, and I did five sessions over a year on Zoom. I regained function in my face (eye closure, minimizing teary-eyes and synkinesis overall) after seven years since my on-set, and I also have the tools to continue to make progress by doing physical therapy/stretching/relaxation exercises on my own each day. I am very hopeful that I will continue to make progress, based on their tailored approach (even to regain my wide smile!)

Thank you very much to Elena and Alex for taking care of my face! Suffered from Bell's palsy 3 years ago, and hasn't been treated properly, and since then I have had an asymmetry, tightness and random pains in the neck that bothered me a lot. After only 4 months of the treatment and daily exersises, the symmetry improved big time, I know how to deal with neck pains, and the big phycological work has been done, too. I feel way calmer and more confident now. The treatment is not cheap but it was absolutely worth it.

I developed Bell's palsy on 2021. After acupuncture, physical therapy and a couple of Botox treatments, my face was still asymmetrical and even though I did not have pain, I had a tightness on the affected side that was a continuous reminder of my condition. In 2022 I was told that my face could not improve more and I had to leave with it. Then I found Crystal Touch. My first interview with Alex gave me hope and I decided to start the treatment. In my first visit I found so much warmth, understanding and empathy that it quickly calmed my nerves and any reluctance I might had. I started to notice a difference after my first visit. I had a particular spot on the side of my mouth that was always tense, even Botox did not help with it. After the first visit and wonderful massages by Elena and Jana, this spot was a lot more relaxed, and what's better, it has never reverted to being as bad! It was made very clear to me from the beginning that my recovery would depend on me. Elena and Jana are there to guide the patients and teach the exercises, but my recovery depends on my time and my efforts. I have now done 5 visits to the clinic. My face is a lot better than it was. I've realised that now I forget about my face. It is still not the same as before, but it has improved to the point that many people do not notice that I have this condition, whereas before it was very obvious. I am very grateful to Crystal touch and would recommend it without hesitation. Their treatment is not easy, it requires investment of time and money but for me it is worth every euro and every second I have spent on it. They gave me hope when I had none and after the treatment I am a much happier person that I was before.

I'm so glad I found information about this clinic and stayed with them for six months. I searched online because I couldn't travel. But that was enough for me... You have to be an obedient student and listen to Lena Pashova, trust, calm down, and believe... take slow steps toward yourself, toward your calm, twitch-free face, toward your smile. I've had neuritis for a very long time (over 10 years), and I knew I wouldn't be perfect, but I needed to be in harmony with myself, stop being shy around people, be happy looking in the mirror, and I've almost achieved that. I'll continue working on my face because it's already become a habit :-) I'm already feeling a bit uncomfortable without it.

(Translated by Google, see original)

I recommend Crystal Touch Clinic to anyone experiencing synkinesis. They will design an individual recovery program for you. They have different doctors specializing in different areas of your recovery. Dr. Alex uses advanced equipment to measure the electrical impulses of your nerves to the facial muscles. Dr. Elena uses her keen perceptiveness to design personalized movements, techniques and exercises you will do daily that slowly train your brain to engage the right muscles of your face. Jana does wonders explaining and practicing the exercise movements and finishes up the treatment with the most divine facial massages you ever had, which remove any stress, tension or pain points on your face. I did a hybrid rehab program at the clinic. I went in person five times and had two sessions remotely. They give you the tools but it’s up to you to do the work, consistently, patiently and trusting that it will work. It definitely does! When I first went to the clinic, I was unable to move my mouth without moving my affected eye. That is now very much improved. I couldn’t press my lips together, and now I can. I couldn’t pronounce the letter B or P, and now I am able to. I also know what to do now when my face starts hurting from excess tension. My face is more symmetrical now. I can smile for pictures. I still have more work to do but I feel I now have the tools to continue improving. Most people that meet me for the first time now don’t notice I ever had bell’s palsy. I recommend this clinic to anyone wanting to recover from synkinesis.