5 easy to do home exercises for bell’s palsy

bell’s palsy is face exercises

Imagine waking up one morning unable to blink or smile—it’s a terrifying experience. Unfortunately, about 23 out of every 100,000 people aged 15-60 may suddenly encounter this. Bell’s palsy is a form of facial paralysis that weakens the muscles on one side of the face, typically due to damage to the facial nerve that controls the affected muscles. Common symptoms include numbness and weakness on one side of the face, drooping, difficulty closing the eye on that side, pain around or behind the ear, heightened sensitivity to sound, loss of taste, and vision problems. Performing certain exercises regularly can help ease the discomfort caused by this condition. Keep reading to learn more.

bell’s palsy exercises

Bell’s Palsy exercises are highly effective in improving facial muscle function and relieving discomfort. By performing these exercises daily, you can prevent further muscle atrophy and improve movement in areas like the face, eyes, nose, and lips. The best part is that these exercises can be done at home. If you’re looking for effective exercises for Bell’s palsy, we have you covered. Below is a list of exercises specifically designed to help reduce the discomfort associated with this condition.

effective facial exercises for bell palsy’s to do at home regularly

When performing facial exercises for Bell’s Palsy, it’s helpful to sit in front of a mirror to monitor your progress.

1. Eyebrow Exercises

• Look in the mirror and raise your eyebrows, holding them for 10-15 seconds. Keep them raised until you feel movement in the corner of your mouth or cheek.
• Wrinkle your forehead.
• Place your four fingertips on your affected eyebrow and gently rub, making firm strokes towards your hairline.
• Make a frown and try to pull your eyebrows down.

2. Lip Exercises

• Curl your upper lip upward, then raise it and try to protrude your upper lip.
• Close and lightly compress both lips, similar to the expression of a child in the picture above. Then, release and repeat the compression. Hold the compression until you feel movement around your eyelid. Focus on relaxing the muscles around your eyes—at first, your eyelids might move, but with regular practice, you can isolate the lip movements from your eyes.
• Pucker both lips and hold the compression for a few seconds.
• Stretch your lips into a snarl.
• Smile, focusing on keeping your eyelids relaxed. Observe your eye and lower eyelid, making sure your neck muscles don’t strain during the smile. Start by smiling without showing your teeth, then try smiling with your teeth visible.
• Speaking exercises can also help improve lip movements. Slowly repeat words with the letters B, M, F, and P while watching yourself in the mirror, keeping your eyelids open.
• Puff your cheeks with air and hold them in place for 3-5 seconds without letting air escape.

3. Nose Exercises

• Wrinkle your nose.
• Sniffle.
• Take a deep breath through your nostrils and try to flare your nostrils.

4. Eye Exercises

• Narrow your eyes as if squinting at the sun, then gently close them.
• Look down while keeping your neck straight—this will exercise both your eyes and eyelids.
• Place the back of your index finger on your closed eyelid and use the opposite hand to gently lift your eyebrow upwards. This will help relax your affected eyelid and prevent stiffness.
• Gently press your eyelids together.
• Gently wink one eye, then the other, without forcing it.
• Open your eyes wide without moving your eyebrows. Stop if you feel any discomfort or unusual muscle movements.

5. Neck and Chin Exercises

• Tilt your head to one side and slightly backward, holding for 10 seconds, then slowly return to the normal position. Repeat on the other side. This stretches the neck muscles and improves flexibility.
• Tighten or wrinkle your chin.
• Stick out your chin like a boxer.

causes for paralysis of the left side of the body

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in the treatment and recovery from Bell’s Palsy by focusing on the rehabilitation of the affected facial muscles. The key goals of physiotherapy in managing Bell’s Palsy include:

1. Muscle Strengthening: Physiotherapists develop targeted exercises to strengthen weakened facial muscles, improving their function and endurance. This helps prevent muscle atrophy and enhances facial movement effectiveness.
2. Restoring Facial Symmetry: Physiotherapy aims to restore balance in facial expressions by practicing movements that help synchronize muscle activity on both sides of the face.
3. Improving Coordination: Physiotherapists assist patients in regaining control and coordination of facial muscles, which can be disrupted by Bell’s Palsy. This involves exercises to improve fine motor skills and facial expressions.
4. Preventing Complications: Regular physiotherapy helps avoid secondary issues such as muscle contractures, joint stiffness, and facial pain. By keeping the muscles active and flexible, the risk of these complications is minimized.

benefits of doing bell’s palsy exercises at home

• Convenience: You can perform exercises whenever it fits your schedule, without the need to travel to a clinic or therapy center.
• Cost-Effective: Exercising at home eliminates the ongoing expenses of professional therapy sessions.
• Privacy: Working out at home offers a private space, allowing you to feel more at ease while performing exercises and addressing your condition.
• Consistency: Practicing regularly at home ensures consistent improvement in muscle function and facial movement, which is key to recovery.
• Customized Routine: You can adapt the exercises to your unique needs and progress, making adjustments based on how you feel and what works best for you.

care tips:

While performing these exercises at home to alleviate discomfort from Bell’s Palsy, it’s important to follow some care tips:

• Chew food using both sides of your mouth. This helps maintain normal chewing patterns as your movements return to normal.
• Avoid chewing gum, as it can engage the wrong muscles and may lead to synkinesis.

For more information on  Physiotherapy exercises for Bell’s Palsy, chat with Portea and book an  online video consultation with a physiotherapy doctor.

portea’s other services

With Portea, you’re not just getting the best physiotherapy Treatment At Home; you’re gaining a partner in your journey to recovery and well-being. We also offer a range of superior healthcare services, including  doctor consultations, medical equipment, nursing care, and dedicated trained attendants. Rely on us for top-tier healthcare solutions tailored to your requirements.

how can portea help you?

Portea is known for creating a unique ecosystem for home healthcare, making medical care both accessible and affordable. Our world-class medical solutions are designed in collaboration with top U.S. healthcare professionals and customized for the regions we serve. Our in-home healthcare services are especially valuable for patients who are restricted to their homes due to injury, age, or disability.

Understanding the widespread impact of stress and injury-related conditions, and the crucial role of physiotherapy in relieving pain, we’ve simplified the process of renting or purchasing therapy equipment.

faq’s

How often should I perform Bell’s Palsy exercises?

It’s typically recommended to perform these exercises 2-3 times a day for optimal results, but always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on frequency.

How long does it take to see results from these exercises?

Results can vary; some people may see improvements in a few weeks, while others may take several months. Consistency and patience are crucial for recovery.

What if I experience pain while doing the exercises?

Mild discomfort is normal, but sharp pain or significant discomfort may indicate incorrect technique or an underlying issue. Stop and consult your healthcare provider if pain persists.

Can these exercises cure Bell’s Palsy?

While exercises can improve muscle function and alleviate symptoms, they are part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Bell’s Palsy typically improves on its own over time, but exercises can accelerate recovery and help prevent complications.