Facial Physiotherapy for Comfort and Confidence
We prioritise regaining confidence by enhancing facial movement and comfort.
About Our Facial Physiotherapy Service
Our specialist physiotherapist leads our Facial Physiotherapy service, offering comprehensive care for various facial palsy conditions. We prioritise regaining confidence by enhancing facial movement and comfort.
What is facial rehabilitation?
Facial rehabilitation is a specialist massage and exercise-based therapy, targeting the primary symptoms of facial palsies to reduce tightness, discomfort, pain and improve movement. They provide a thorough assessment of the face taking into consideration the psychological effects that often occur with facial palsies. Facial physiotherapy helps with the physical, emotional and psychological consequences of living with facial palsy.
What is facial palsy?
Facial palsies are caused by a condition or injury to the facial nerve, resulting in absent or diminished facial movement and expression. Facial palsy can affect any of the facial movements including blinking, smiling and frowning as well as affecting facial functions such as closing the eye and eating and drinking. Palsies can also cause eye and mouth dryness and altered sensation including taste.
What is role of the facial nerve?
The facial nerve has three functions:
1) To provide movement to our muscles that are responsible for facial expression
2) To provide function to our tear duct and salivary production
3) To provide sensation to our tongue
Disruption to the nerve in the brain or peripherally to the face will cause a number of symptoms including:
Facial weakness
Inability to close the eye
Lack of saliva production
Speech disturbances
Issues with eating and drinking
In the acute phases of facial palsy, the main aim is to maintain eye health through taping and eye drops.
What conditions can benefit from facial rehabilitation?
Belly Palsy
Ramsey Hunt Syndrome
Facial Palsy due to Vestibular Schwannoma
Stroke-Related Facial Palsy
Post-Surgery Facial Palsy
Our Facial Palsy specialists will assess your condition and design a bespoke treatment program to guide you on your journey to improved facial function and confidence.
What to expect from the assessment?
The assessment will comprise of a details discussion to ascertain the onset, course and nature of the symptoms. The will be followed by an examination looking at your head, eye and facial movements. This will enable a customised treatment plan to be developed.
How do you treat facial palsy?
Facial rehabilitation programmes are comprised of self-massage and stretches which aim to target the individuals’ impairments to reduce their symptoms and achieve their specific goals. Treatment will vary depending on the stage and severity of the facial palsy but may include:
Education about how the facial nerve works and how it recovers
Exercise programme including massage and stretches
Relaxation exercises
In the acute stages the main focus will be eye care