Some Types of Facial Exercises for Bell’s Palsy

Bell’s palsy is a neurological condition that affects the facial nerve on one side of your face, resulting in paralysis or weakness. One way to help improve muscle strength and movement control is through facial exercises.
The symptoms of Bell’s palsy typically appear suddenly and begin improving within a few weeks, even without treatment. For many people, the condition is temporary and complete recovery is likely.

However, it’s important to see a healthcare professional as soon as you experience symptoms like facial weakness or paralysis.
Early treatment can help prevent additional nerve damage and improve your chances of full recovery.
Tips to support success
Although the exercises might seem simple, they can be tiring or exhausting. Avoid overexertion and stop if you feel any pain or discomfort.

Here are a few practice tips:
• Sit in front of a mirror.
• Perform these exercises slowly and carefully.
• You can gently move muscles with your fingers to prevent unwanted movement.

Here are some general guidelines to follow:
• Do 5–۱۰ repetitions of each exercise.
• Hold each position for 5–۱۰ seconds, then relax and rest for a few seconds before repeating.
• When appropriate, repeat on the opposite side.
• Aim to perform facial exercises at least 3–۴ times per day.
• Gradually increase the repetitions, duration, and intensity as you get more comfortable.

Below are some of the best facial exercises for Bell’s palsy.
Eyebrow exercises
Eyebrow exercises target the frontalis muscle, which raises the eyebrows.
Strengthening this muscle can help improve facial symmetry.

To exercise this muscle:
• Frown and draw your eyebrows together and down.
• Gently lift your eyebrows while keeping your eyes open. Use your fingers to assist if necessary.
• Press your fingertips firmly into your eyebrow and slowly slide them toward your hairline.
• Gently place the back of your index finger against your eyelid. Then, gently stretch your eyebrow upward with your opposite hand.

Eye exercises
These exercises target muscles around the eyes, including the orbicularis oculi muscle, which is responsible for blinking and closing the eyes.
To exercise these muscles:
• Close your eyelids tightly, creating wrinkles at the outer corners of your eyes.
• Squint your eyes as if trying to see something far away.
• Open your eyes wide without moving your eyebrows. Use your fingers to keep your eyebrows in place if necessary.
• Close your eyes and use your fingertips to apply light pressure to the top and bottom eyelids.
• Wink one eye slowly.
• Keep your neck straight and slowly gaze downward.

Nose exercises
These exercises focus on strengthening the muscles around the nose and upper lip, including the nasalis muscle, which flares the nostrils, and the levator labii superioris muscle, which lifts the upper lip.
To exercise these muscles:
• Inhale deeply and sniffle.
• Wrinkle your nose and flare your nostrils as much as possible.
• Flare your nostrils and breathe deeply through your nose.