For many patients in the United States, recovery from facial palsy often reaches a standstill after the acute phase. Crystal Touch Clinic provides a specialized destination for American patients seeking to address long-term complications such as synkinesis and facial asymmetry through the unique NPR method.
Step-by-Step Patient Journey
The path to recovery is structured to be transparent and manageable for international patients:
- Registration and Initial Contact: After you register for a program, the clinic contacts you to check details before any payment is requested.
- Online Video Consultation: You will have a 40-minute personalized diagnostic session with Dr. Alex Pashov (€145 – $171) to analyze your condition and discuss realistic recovery goals.
- The Decision: At the end of the consultation, you decide whether to proceed with a full program. If you choose not to, the clinic provides basic recommendations for self-management of symptoms.
- Customized Scheduling: If you proceed, the clinic schedules your sessions. For those traveling from the US, clinic visits are often spaced 10–12 weeks apart to accommodate travel, or you may choose hybrid/fully-online options.
“Is it Worth Flying to the Netherlands?”
The decision to travel internationally for medical care is significant. Patients often choose Crystal Touch because:
- Exclusive Specialization: It is the only clinic in the world specializing exclusively in long-term facial palsy rehabilitation (from 8 months to over 30 years and beyond).
- NPR vs. US Standard Care: Unlike many US treatments that rely on Botox, surgery, or exercises that can worsen synkinesis, the Neuro-Proprioceptive Rehabilitation (NPR) method is non-invasive and painless. It focuses on reversing synkinesis as a conditioned reflex and restoring balanced brain signals to the facial muscles.
- Overcoming the “Nothing More Can Be Done” Narrative: Many US patients arrive after being told by local consultants that their recovery has peaked, only to find new hope through the clinic’s specialized approach.
What to Expect During Your Visit
- Advanced Diagnostics: During in-clinic sessions, specialists use Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) to measure nerve regeneration and Synkinetic Correlation Analysis to objectively map muscle co-contractions.
- Expert Support: You will be guided by a team of specialists, including Elena Pashova and Dr. Alex Pashov, who provide both technical rehabilitation and emotional support.
- The Facility: Located in the World Trade Center in Rotterdam, the clinic is easily accessible from Schiphol Airport. The Postillion Hotel is located in the same building, making it the most convenient stay for international visitors.
Testimonials from American Patients
- Susana (Texas): Achieved facial symmetry and pain relief through a 6-month online program after being told surgery was her only option.
- Staci (USA): After being discharged by three different US healthcare systems, she regained eye closure and smile function through a combination of in-person and Zoom sessions.
- Alina Lozovskaia: Noted that while the specialized treatment requires an investment, the improvement in symmetry and confidence was “absolutely worth it”.
Payment Info
- Initial Consultation: The first step is a €145 fee (around $171) for the diagnostic video consultation.
- Full Program: Costs for the complete rehabilitation program vary based on whether you choose in-clinic, hybrid, or online-only paths.
- Payment Policy: Payment for the full program is only requested after your confirmation following the initial consultation. Patients have described the program as a worthwhile investment of time and money to regain hope and physical results.
