Recover from Bell’s Palsy with Physical Therapy at Agility Physical Therapy
Have you or a loved one recently been diagnosed with Bell’s Palsy? Feeling anxious or uncertain about what comes next is completely normal. Learning more about the condition and understanding the role of physical therapy can provide peace of mind and set the stage for a faster recovery.
What is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s Palsy is a form of facial paralysis that affects one side of the face, causing weakness, drooping, or difficulty controlling facial muscles. Physical therapy for Bell’s Palsy focuses on facial exercises, nerve stimulation, and movement retraining to restore function, improve symmetry, and reduce discomfort.
At Agility Physical Therapy in Venice, FL, our experienced therapists work with each patient to create a personalized recovery plan, helping you regain facial strength, coordination, and confidence. Early intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes.
Here are 5 of the most common symptoms of Bell’s Palsy:
- Drooping of part of the face
- Inability to close eye (or eyes)
- Loss of taste
- Drooling
- Difficulty speaking
How is Bell’s Palsy Diagnosed?
Bell’s Palsy cannot be determined by a specific test. If you are experiencing symptoms of the condition, your doctor will likely ask you to do simple movements like frowning, lifting your eyebrows, or closing your eyes. A unique symptom of Bell’s Palsy is the suddenness of the condition’s onset, which may happen in a matter of hours.
Similar to the lack of specific testing, there is not a singular cause of Bell’s Palsy. Studies have suggested that the herpes virus, pregnancy, obesity, or chronic high blood pressure may contribute to the onset of the condition.
How Can Physical Therapy Aid My Recovery?
For most patients with partial or complete facial paralysis the effects of Bell’s Palsy are temporary, often resolving within 6 months. Recovery from this condition can occur naturally. However, physical therapy can help patients regain control over their facial muscles. A Venice, FL physical therapist can also show you how to manage daily functions with paralysis.
Physical therapy treatment for Bell’s Palsy utilizes “initiation” and “facilitation” exercises. Initiation exercises will teach you to cause facial movement, as your therapist teaches you how to position your face. These initiation exercises help trigger facial movement in the early stages of Bell’s Palsy.
Facilitation exercises occur after you have been successful in initiating facial movement. Your Venice, FL therapist will design exercises to strengthen and control your facial muscles. Paired with movement exercises, these activities will help you regain the movement and coordination previously lost due to Bell’s Palsy.
Contact Agility Physical Therapy today!
At Agility Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are here to help you improve your daily function with Bell’s Palsy and move towards recovery. Working with our Venice, FL physical therapists is a proactive solution for patients with Bell’s Palsy. Contact us today for an appointment.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!