Facial palsy affects a person much more than just an absence or loss of movement. It can also affect the way a person perceives themselves and how others perceive them. Recovering from facial palsy can take a long time and can become quite frustrating without the proper guidance. Often times once diagnosed, patients are told to just wait it out and movement will return on its own. While this is true, if not properly trained, synkinetic movements (movements that happen without necessarily wanting them to happen – like closing an eye while trying to smile) may occur and can be quite difficult to manage without the proper direction.
Facial neuromuscular retraining has been shown to be very effective in treating peripheral facial palsies. Having just taken a course in Facial Neuromuscular Retraining, I’m looking forward to being able to guide anyone through their recovery with peripheral facial palsy (resulting from Bell’s Palsy, Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, Trauma/surgery, congenital facial palsies, etc.).
Richard Quenneville PT, B.Sc.,M.Sc.PT. Registered Physiotherapist
Comments