Best 5 Exercises for Bell’s Palsy

Bell's Palsy is a condition that affects the muscles and nerves of your face. At Surrey Physio (Croydon and Sutton) we have a brilliant physio (Peter) who has a good level of success with Bell's Palsy. The seventh cranial neve is responsible which causes partial or full weakness of half of the face. It also affects your taste, sensation and salivation which can cause the mouth to dry. It can happen to any age group or gender and can be worrying for people who develop this and causes distress. However, at Surrey Physio we know how to improve and manage your symptoms and improve your healing.

Causes and symptoms of Bell's Palsy

There are many linked causes to Bell's palsy however research is still ongoing to identify the causes of Bell’s Palsy. Most experts theorise that viral illnesses such as herpes, varicella-zoster and Epstein Barr virus are contributors to the cause. It can cause inflammation and damage to the facial nerves resulting in drooping at the mouth, reduced ability to close one eye and difficulty in producing facial expressions or speaking. At times pain can be developed around the jaw or behind the ear.

Treatment for Bell's Palsy

The occurrence of Bell’s Palsy affects 1 in 60 patients each year with a reoccurrence rate between 8 to 12 percent. Most patients will make a full recovery with no treatment however some may require help. Corticosteroids medication can improve outcomes however some experts report an improvement corticosteroid with antiviral medication. If patients do not respond to treatment, surgical interventions may be considered, however this is reserved for severe cases.

Surrey Physio's Treatment for Bell's Palsy

Surrey Physio can provide a range of treatments to help manage the symptoms of Bell's Palsy and promote healing. These may include facial exercises and gentle face massage. Call us first to make sure you see the right member of our team because this is highly specialist neurological care.

Facial Exercises

Facial exercises are an essential part of physiotherapy for Bell's Palsy. These exercises will focus on your eyes, mouth, cheek and nose. They can help strengthen the facial muscles, improve facial expression, and promote healing. Surrey Physio can design a customised exercise program to suit your specific needs and goals.

Massage

Massage can help promote relaxation, relieve pain, and improve circulation. Surrey Physio can provide facial massage to help manage the symptoms of Bell's Palsy and promote healing.

Try our top 5 exercises for Bell’s Palsy:

Eyebrow lift one sided assisted

Lift one eyebrow as high as possible, using your fingers to assist. Hold this position and relax. Repeat to the other side. Repeat 25 times, three times per day.

Smile one sided assisted

Smile assisted one sided, by lifting one corner of your mouth upwards. Hold in this position, and relax. You can repeat both sides. Repeat 25 times, three times per day.

Frown assisted

Pull your forehead muscles downwards, using your fingers to assist. Hold this position, and relax. Repeat 25 times, three times per day.

Face Massage

Rub the skin on your cheeks down towards your mouth, till you reach the corner of your mouth. Use your index finger and middle finger in small circular directions. Perform this for around two minutes, once or twice per day.

Puffa

Keeping your mouth shut, blow outwards bulging one cheek. Hold this position, and relax. Repeat 25 times, three times per day.

Bell's Palsy can be a challenging condition to deal with, but with the help of Surrey Physio, you can manage the symptoms and promote healing. Surrey Physio can provide a range of treatments, including facial exercises, massage, and electrical stimulation, to help manage the symptoms of Bell's Palsy and promote healing. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of Bell's Palsy, such as weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, do not hesitate to contact Surrey Physio to discuss your treatment options.

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If you are a patient, in pain, or elite performance, please call us to discuss your case further and book into see Peter at Croydon or Sutton - please note there is a wait of about 3-4 weeks to see him, and please book twice per week sessions. Surrey Physio have an amazing team of therapists to help you recover from pain, but also to achieve top performance. Call us on 0208 681 3315 or click the link at the top to book online.)