BELL’S
PALSY
The
muscles of your face are not working properly due to a problem with the
nerve that supplies them. In
order to help regain the movement there are a number of exercises and
stretches that you should do regularly.
Your progress may appear slow but keep working at the exercises.
GENERAL
POINTS
1.
Eat on the unaffected side and remember to clear your palate.
2.
If your eye does not close properly tape your eye closed at night to
avoid damaging it. (Micropore is gentle enough for this).
3.
If your eye is dry and sore during the day let your doctor know.
4.
If you have a problem with bright light use sunglasses not an eye
patch.
5.
If you have problems with speech, press the heel of your hand against
your cheek whilst talking. This
will especially improve your speech whilst on the phone.
6.
Pay particular attention to oral hygiene.
7.
Drink with a straw mainly using the unaffected side.
8.
Hold your lips shut whilst blowing your nose.
STRETCHES
In
order to stop the facial muscles shortening and contracting try these
stretches four times a day. -
1
. Whistling
2.
Blowing up cheeks
3.
Stretch the inside of your mouth with your fingers
MASSAGE
In
order to "remind" the muscles of the movement that they should be
performing massage the cheek in an upward/outward direction.
EXERCISES
Try
these exercises each day in front of the mirror. Concentrate on moving the affected side.
Hold each expression for 5 seconds then relax completely.
Look
surprised
Frown
Look
sleepy
Look perplexed
Flare
your nostrils
Buck Teeth
Show
your incisors
Smile
Pout/Kiss
Frown and Pout
Firm
Pout
Some
of these exercises may be possible and others may not be possible.
Rather than doing all of them in front of the mirror regularly and
getting disheartened work frequently at a few expressions during the day and
then perform them in front of the mirror to assess your progress.
