The Role Of Physiotherapy With Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s Palsy is a neurological condition that causes one side of our facial muscles weak or paralyze (70%). Sometimes it can affect both side of facial muscles but in rare case. Usually, it occurs when one of our facial muscle’s nerves become injured or stops working appropriately. Also go together with by:
This can affect the normal facial expression and function. Moreover, in some cases, individuals with Bell’s Palsy might experience hyperacusis (sensitive to sound), their taste sense change, increased production of tear and etc.
According to the research, it can affect anyone with any gender but most often affect people ages 15 to 60. The exact cause of Bell’s Palsy is idiopathic. There are evidence shows that inflammation and swelling of the cranial nerve VII is involved but the root of swelling is unclear. And there some possible triggers for Bell’s Palsy which might include:
- drooping of eyebrow and mouth
- drooling from one side of the mouth
- difficult with closing eyelid, which causes eye dryness.
This can affect the normal facial expression and function. Moreover, in some cases, individuals with Bell’s Palsy might experience hyperacusis (sensitive to sound), their taste sense change, increased production of tear and etc.
According to the research, it can affect anyone with any gender but most often affect people ages 15 to 60. The exact cause of Bell’s Palsy is idiopathic. There are evidence shows that inflammation and swelling of the cranial nerve VII is involved but the root of swelling is unclear. And there some possible triggers for Bell’s Palsy which might include:
- Viral Infection (herpes simplex, chicken pox)
- Impaired Immunity (stress, sleep deprivation)
- Infection of Facial nerves
How Physiotherapy Helps For Bell’s Palsy?
Physiotherapist will evaluate patient which includes their medical review and will conduct some physical examination. This examination focused on recognizing the pattern of weakness of facila muscles due to Bell’s Palsy which includes:
Based on the examination, the physiotherapist will design their treatment plan for the patient and execute the treatment in order to regain back the facial muscles activation and function. Some of the treatment implement by physiotherapy for Bell’s Palsy condition are:
- The ability to open and close mouth
- The ability to open and close eyes
- The ability to do frowning
- Eyebrow movement
- The ability to smile
- Wrinkle of forehead
Based on the examination, the physiotherapist will design their treatment plan for the patient and execute the treatment in order to regain back the facial muscles activation and function. Some of the treatment implement by physiotherapy for Bell’s Palsy condition are:
- Electrical stimulation: Which uses electrical impulses to activate the facial muscles and nerves. By doing this, it helps the muscles to be activate and function during performing facial exercises.
- Facial Muscle Exercises: Physiotherapy will teach some specific facial exercises to activate particular muscles based on what been assess upon assessment. Repetition of facial exercises will help the muscles to be stimulated and activated. By this it will restore back the function.
- Manual Techniques: By performing a gentle massage and manual technique, it helps to improve the blood circulation. By doing this, it will help to reduce the muscle tension and improve the muscle function.
- Heat and Cold therapy. It usually used to reduce the inflammation and pain at the affected area
- Patients Education. This is very important as physiotherapist will not be around patient for 24 hours per day. So, physiotherapist will teach patient how to take care of self, eye hygiene, facial hygiene, perform exercise in front of mirror in order to regain better facial muscle control.
08 Aug 2024
