Facial Palsy Treatment
Facial nerve rehabilitation with a culturally sensitive, women-focused approach
Restoring symmetry, function, and confidence
Understanding Facial Palsy & Bell's Palsy
Facial palsy results from impaired function of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), producing weakness or paralysis on one side of the face.
Common causes include viral infection, trauma, tumours, and stroke. Physiotherapy uses neuromuscular retraining to restore controlled, symmetrical movement and to prevent unwanted co-movement (synkinesis).
Treatment Goals
- 1
Restore Muscle Function
Reactivate weakened facial muscles with graded retraining.
- 2
Improve Symmetry
Balance movement between the affected and unaffected sides.
- 3
Reduce Synkinesis
Prevent and retrain unwanted linked movements.
- 4
Restore Expression
Rebuild natural, controlled facial expression.
- 5
Eye Care & Protection
Protect the cornea while eye closure is impaired.
- 6
Restore Confidence
Support emotional wellbeing throughout recovery.
Common Symptoms
Face Drooping
Loss of tone on one side, most visible in the cheek and brow.
Eye Symptoms
Difficulty closing the eye, dryness, and irritation.
Mouth Weakness
Trouble smiling, drinking, or keeping food on one side.
Speech Changes
Difficulty with lip sounds affecting clarity.
Pain & Sensitivity
Discomfort around the jaw or behind the ear.
Expression Loss
Reduced ability to convey emotion, affecting confidence.
Your Treatment Journey
Assessment
Grading facial function and identifying affected muscle groups.
Protection & Education
Eye care and daily management guidance.
Neuromuscular Retraining
Precise, low-effort exercise with mirror feedback.
Progress Review
Re-grading function and adjusting the programme.
Treatment Phases
- 1
Acute Phase(0–3 weeks)
Eye protection, gentle activation, and education.
- 2
Early Recovery(3–8 weeks)
Graded neuromuscular retraining as tone returns.
- 3
Recovery(8–16 weeks)
Symmetry work and functional expression practice.
- 4
Late Recovery(16+ weeks)
Synkinesis management and refinement.
- 5
Maintenance(Ongoing)
Home programme to preserve gains.
Facial Rehabilitation Exercises
Eye Closure Strengthening
Restore protective blink and closure.
- Close the eyes gently.
- Hold without forcing.
- Release slowly.
10 × 5 seconds
Smile & Lip Corner Elevation
Rebuild symmetrical smile.
- Smile slowly in front of a mirror.
- Keep both sides as even as possible.
2 sets of 10
Nose Wrinkle & Nasalis Activation
Activate mid-face muscles.
- Wrinkle the nose upward.
- Hold briefly, then relax.
2 sets of 10
Speech & Articulation Practice
Improve lip control and clarity.
- Repeat p, b, and m sounds slowly.
- Exaggerate lip closure.
2 minutes daily
Jaw & Mastication Exercises
Support chewing function.
- Open and close the jaw slowly.
- Chew evenly on both sides.
2 sets of 10
Mirror Feedback & Visual Training
Retrain accurate movement using visual feedback.
- Practise movements in a mirror.
- Watch for and reduce unwanted co-movement.
5 minutes daily
Meet Dr. Munaza
Orthopedic Manual Therapist · Pain & Rehabilitation Specialist
3+ years of clinical experience, with focused expertise in facial palsy treatment.
A women-only practice offering culturally sensitive, dignified care — in clinic or at your doorstep.
- ✓MSOMPT (RIU)
- ✓DPT (UOL)
- ✓Women's Health Physiotherapy Specialist
What Our Patients Say
“My smile came back over ten weeks. The mirror exercises made all the difference.”
— Kiran B.
“She caught that I was overworking the wrong muscles and corrected it early.”
— Sundas W.
“Kind and reassuring during a frightening time.”
— Areeba M.
Frequently Asked Questions
+How soon should treatment start?
As early as possible. Early guidance protects the eye and prevents unhelpful movement patterns.
+Will my face fully recover?
Many people recover well, especially with early, correct retraining. Your assessment gives a realistic outlook.
+What is synkinesis?
Unwanted linked movement — such as the eye narrowing when you smile. Specific retraining reduces it.
+Do I need eye protection at night?
Often yes while closure is incomplete. We advise on lubrication and taping technique.
+How many sessions are needed?
Facial rehabilitation is gradual; most programmes run across several weeks with home practice.
+What does it cost?
PKR 1,000 for a clinic session and PKR 2,500 for a home visit.