Bell's Palsy Physiotherapy

Rehab For Bell's Palsy

A person’s face might appear frozen, as though they were dead. This can happen when the muscles are paralyzed and shrink and shorten. Our registered physiotherapists in Burnaby will show you how to massage and exercise your facial muscles to avoid this from happening.

What Does Physiotherapy Do For Bell's Palsy?

Bell’s palsy treatments at our Burnaby Physiotherapy clinic have varied durations and severity of their symptoms. The form of physiotherapy treatment that is appropriate for each patient depends on their manifestation.

Maintain facial suppleness, especially if the paralysis has been long-term.
Manage neck muscle tension caused by facial paralysis
At-Home Education on Facial Exercises for Both Maintaining Flexibility (stretching) as well as Strengthening the Facial Muscles (engagement and strengthening)
Acupuncture can also be used to treat muscular pain by a physiotherapist.
Synkinesis can be treated with retraining exercises, mime or feedback therapy (synkinesis means "simultaneous movement," and it occurs when nerves heal and function begins to improve in Bell's Palsy, for example, different muscles that don't usually contract together during a smile now contract together)

Overall, the evidence on physiotherapy management of Bell’s Palsy suggests that individualized facial exercises in cases that are chronic or moderate paralysis may enhance facial function. Facial exercises in the early or acute phases of more serious cases might improve recovery time and long-term consequences. Acupuncture stimulation also shows promise.

Physiotherapy Treatments in Burnaby For Facial Paralysis

Bell’s Palsy is a type of paralysis that affects one side of the face. In most, but not all, people, facial paralysis ultimately gets better without therapy. Physical treatments, such as exercise, biofeedback, laser treatment, electrotherapy, massage and thermotherapy, are used to speed up recovery, enhance facial function, and minimize complications. As a top-rated physiotherapy clinic in North Burnaby, we are more than happy to announce to you that we offer all the above-mentioned services in the process of Bell’s Palsy recovery.

Bell Palsy Exercises

There is evidence from a single study of moderate quality that facial exercises benefit individuals with chronic facial Palsy compared to controls. There is preliminary evidence that they may help decrease synkinesis (a Bell’s palsy-associated problem).

Specialized facial exercises can help to improve face function, particularly for individuals with moderate paralysis and persistent problems. Early facial exercise may reduce rehabilitation time and long-term paralysis in acute situations, but the evidence is insufficient. Additional research is required to determine face workout programs’ effects and potential hazards.

Electrotherapy and Acupuncture

There is no evidence to determine whether electrical stimulation works, identify the potential risks of these therapies, or see if adding acupuncture to facial or other physiotherapy treatments might improve.

These symptoms can signal a more severe problem, such as a stroke. SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU EXPERIENCE ANY FORM OF FACIAL WEAKNESS!

Burnaby Physio Clinic For Bell Palsy

Symptoms of Bell Palsy

Bell's Palsy is a type of brief facial paralysis that may impact a person's day-to-day activities, communication with others, self-esteem, and quality of life. When the nerve-controlling movement on one side of the face becomes inflamed, it causes Bell's Palsy. The illness usually starts with a strange feeling of weakness or paralysis on one side of the face.

You should immediately call an ambulance if any of the below symptoms accompany the condition.

Pain in the ear, cheek, or teeth.
Loss of facial sensation.
Confusion.
Weakness of arms or legs.
Vision changes.
Fever.
Headache.

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The facial nerve controls the muscles that produce facial expressions, eye closure (blinking), tear and saliva glands, taste sensations in the tongue, and some of the smaller ear muscles. As a result, symptoms may vary in appearance and severity; however, they may include:

At first, noise sensitivity was more severe, but it tended to dissipate faster.
Initially, discomfort in the ear and jaw improves more quickly.
Tinnitus (ringing in the ear) is the initial symptom, although this generally improves faster.
It May cause headaches, as well as tension in the neck muscles.
The eyelid and/or corner of the mouth on the afflicted side droops or has less muscle tone than normal.
Difficulty with facial expressions, such as raising the eyebrow on that side, furrowing the brow, flaring the nostril, smiling, frowning, blowing up the cheek, and whistling.

Registered Physiotherapists are specialists in the treatment of face movement problems. Our physiotherapists know exactly how to trigger Bell’s Palsy stimulation points and recover your face muscles. They use hands-on therapy, patient education, and prescribed activity to improve patients’ quality of life. Contact our Physiotherapy clinic in Burnaby for Rehab for Bell’s Palsy for an evaluation.

Recovery From Bell's Palsy

Bell’s Palsy affects between 30,000 and 40,000 people in Canada annually, although no known cause exists. It can affect anybody, but most people with Bell’s Palsy are between 20 and 40. According to researchers, it might be caused by a virus, and it is linked to several pre-existing illnesses.

Bell’s Palsy is a disorder that causes the facial nerve to weaken or become temporarily paralyzed. There is no cure, but most individuals regain normal face movement and expression after two weeks to 6 months.

One side of the face becomes weak or paralyzed during Bell’s Palsy. Many individuals decide to do physiotherapy rehabilitation or exercises for Bell’s Palsy to speed up recovery.

Exercises to Help Bell's Palsy

What Type Of Physiotherapy Is Used For Bell's Palsy?

Facial exercises and physical therapy assist with muscle strength and facial coordination restoration from this brief paralysis of the face. Most routines should be done three or four times a day in short sessions, with up to 30 repetitions per exercise.

Facial Stimulation

It’s also crucial to warm up and stimulate your muscles before you start the facial exercises. Experts advise performing these facial activities in front of a mirror to see exactly how your face is moving, and your muscles are working.

Step 1: Begin by softly and slowly moving your face.

Step 2: Using your fingertips, gently lift the outer edges of your brows. Although one side will be raised higher than the other, don’t apply too much force to the drooping side.

Step 3: Using your fingertips, gently massage your face’s many areas, including the top of your head, nose, cheeks, and mouth.

Nose and Cheek Exercises

Working on your cheeks and nose after a cool-down is important because any stiffness or weak muscles in this area can impact the strength of the entire face while you recover.

Step 1: Using your fingertips, carefully lift the skin next to your nose on the afflicted side while wrinkling your nose.

Step 2: Try to contort your face, concentrating on the cheeks and nose.

Step 3: Cover your unaffected nostril with your hand to make the affected muscles work harder. You can flare your nostrils and try to breathe deeply through your nose. Cover one of your unharmed nostrils with your hand to force the afflicted muscles to work harder.

Step 4: Blow air out of your mouth, puff up your cheeks, and release it. Do this ten times.

Mouth Exercises

The next topics that can be improved are mouth, lips, and tongue. Many individuals with Bell’s Palsy find it challenging to eat and drink since their muscular activities are restricted. Others report that they dribble or have trouble controlling their saliva, which may be anxiety-provoking.

These Bell’s palsy exercises will help you regain greater mouth control. You can do them 30 times each, up to four times a day.

Step 1: Open your mouth as if you’re going to smile, then close it. Then reverse the process and work on frowning instead.

Step 2: Gently pucker your lips and allow them to relax.

Step 3: To begin, lift each corner of your mouth one at a time. You may use your fingertips to assist raise the afflicted side.

Step 4: Aim your tongue down toward your chin, then stick it out and pull it back.

Eye Exercises

Individuals with Bell’s Palsy might have trouble closing their afflicted eyes, which can irritate and make it difficult to sleep. These eye exercises will help you regain control and function of your eyes’ muscles.

Step 1: Raise your brows up and down while practicing. To raise the malfunctioning eyebrow, use your fingers.

Step 2: Massage the eyelid and brow with your thumb. Look down and close your eyes, then massage gently.

Step 3: Open your eyes wide and gently squeeze them shut.

Safety Considerations When Doing Exercises

Bell’s palsy exercises are generally considered safe to perform at home unsupervised. However, it would be best if you did not overwork yourself or your muscles. If your muscles are signalling you to stop, don’t worry about finishing all the exercises.

You can tell when you’re straining your neck too much because the two sides of your face will fight. You should stop if muscles are moving or tugging during your Bell’s palsy exercises. Relax your limbs and rest for a while.

At REFORM Physiotherapy, we offer Tele-rehabilitation services if you want to book an appointment with us.

Facial Exercises For Those With Facial Droop

Facial droop is one of the most obvious signs of Bell’s Palsy. Facial paralysis, also known as facial droop, is caused by damage to the facial nerve or muscles. Many stroke victims also experience facial droop, which is often the most emotionally distressing symptom for them to deal with.

A person’s face is the most distinctive aspect of appearance. It is what we first think of someone; it is how we recognize people we care about and with whom we are acquainted. How an individual is regarded when they have a facial droop depends significantly on their appearance.

Laugh!

Yes, laugh. Laughter activates many muscles in the face, stimulating blood flow to the facial nerves. Spend time with others who make you laugh. Laughter has several health benefits, including improving circulation to the facial nerves and toning your face. Not only is it good for your mind and body, but it also helps tone your face due to droop.

Mouth Stretches.

You may believe exercising your face while chatting on the phone is ridiculous, but simply opening and closing your mouth will work your facial muscles. Start slowly, but keep doing this fundamental exercise for further results.

Eyebrow Stretches.

You might feel silly, but raising and lowering your eyebrows improves circulation and movement to your forehead and eyes. Begin with making these motions for a few minutes twice daily, then gradually increase the number of repetitions you do.

Lip Movements.

Move your mouth in all directions. Move your mouth from side to side, up and down, smiling and pouting. These movements will aid in strengthening your facial muscles and help elicit neurological responses because they are natural activities.

FAQs

How long does it last?

In some situations, the illness may be relieved in as little as two weeks. In most cases, it takes at least three months for the problem to disappear completely. Symptoms can take nine to twelve months to recover entirely.

What can I do at home?

Make sure you protect your eyesight.
Strengthening the face should be incorporated into your daily routine.
Follow your physiotherapist’s instructions for specific exercises regularly.
Share information about the situation with those around you and carry on with your daily activities.
According to some studies, viewing funny shows or movies that elicit emotional responses can help develop facial reactions. Our faces are often linked to our emotions (e.g., we smile or laugh when we discover something amusing and frown when upset or confused).
Remember that progress is often slow, so don’t be discouraged!

What is the cure for Bell's Palsy?

Although there is no cure for Bell’s Palsy, your doctor will typically give you antivirals and steroids for the first two weeks. Typically, a work-up will be done first to exclude cerebrovascular causes (i.e. stroke), as symptoms might resemble.

With or without treatment, most Bell’s Palsy cases recover on their own (i.e., spontaneously) (also known as spontaneous recovery). However, medication and physiotherapy treatments are meant to assist with the process.

However, other conditions include:

Eye protection (Taping eyes shut at night and using lubricating eye drops or ointments, as well as taping the eyes closed to protect against irritation and infection)
Physiotherapy (Massage and exercise therapy are used to help patients recover from muscle strains.)
Acupuncture (by an acupuncturist, or often included in physiotherapy treatment)
Relaxation therapy and strategies (as stress can be a symptom aggravator)
Surgery (a rare last resort option, appropriate only for particular cases, usually ones due to facial trauma)

Many people are dissatisfied with how their face appears and have difficulty in social interactions due to drooping or paralysis. Speaking, eating, and social expressions may be complicated because of facial droop or paralysis, making those affected by facial droop uncomfortable and embarrassed.

Specific facial exercises for those with facial droop can help deal with and overcome facial paralysis.

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