Bell's Palsy (Facial Palsy): Recovery Tips and Facial Exercises
Waking up with one side of your face drooping is frightening. Most people recover well. Here is how to protect your eye and help your face recover.
Bell's palsy is a sudden weakness of the facial nerve on one side. The eye may not close fully, the mouth droops and food collects in the cheek. It is usually temporary.
First, rule out a stroke. If facial weakness comes with arm or leg weakness, slurred speech or confusion, go to the hospital immediately.
Protect the eye
- Use the eye drops your doctor prescribes during the day
- Tape the eye gently shut or use an eye pad at night if it does not close
- Wear glasses outdoors to protect from dust and wind
Mirror exercises (gentle, 2–3 times a day)
Sit in front of a mirror and do each movement slowly, 5–10 times, trying to keep both sides equal. Do not force or overdo it.
- Raise your eyebrows as if surprised
- Frown gently
- Close your eyes softly, then tightly
- Smile with closed lips, then show your teeth
- Pucker your lips as if to whistle
- Puff out your cheeks
Avoid
- Chewing gum or strong, repeated forced movements: these can cause unwanted co-movements (synkinesis) later
- Heavy, aggressive massage
How long does it take?
Many people see improvement within 2–3 weeks, and most recover substantially within 3–6 months. A physiotherapist guides which exercises to do at each stage, adds gentle massage and other modalities where appropriate, and keeps a weekly photo record so you can see change.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. Please consult a physiotherapist or doctor for advice about your condition.
