PHYSIOMOTIVESee a doctor first
Sudden drooping of one side of the face needs a medical check on the same day. Doctors must rule out a stroke and other causes, and treatment for Bell's palsy, often a short course of steroids, works best when started early. Physiotherapy is a supporting part of recovery and does not replace this.
What Bell's palsy is
Bell's palsy is a sudden weakness of the muscles on one side of the face, caused by irritation or swelling of the facial nerve. It is diagnosed after other causes are excluded. Most people recover well, though the speed and completeness of recovery vary from person to person.
What you may notice
- A drooping corner of the mouth and a smile that is uneven
- Difficulty closing the eye fully, and a dry or watery eye
- A smooth forehead on one side that does not wrinkle
- Trouble with chewing, drinking or speaking clearly, and sometimes drooling
- Altered taste, ear pain or sensitivity to sound
If the eye does not close fully, protecting it matters. Your doctor will advise on eye drops, ointment or taping the eye shut at night.
How physiotherapy helps
Research on exercise for Bell's palsy is still developing, so we keep treatment gentle and tailored to where you are in recovery, and avoid anything aggressive.
- Facial muscle re-education with small, slow, symmetrical movements in front of a mirror
- Gentle facial massage and soft tissue techniques to keep the muscles from getting tight
- Practice for eating, drinking, smiling and speaking
- Guidance on what to avoid, such as forceful grimacing and over-working the weak side, which can encourage unwanted movements as the nerve recovers
- A short home programme with photos or video to track your progress
Other neurological rehabilitation
We also support rehabilitation after conditions such as Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), once you are medically stable. If travelling is hard, ask about home visits.
Get medical care first
Call 112 or go to the nearest hospital straight away, or see your doctor promptly, if you have any of these:
- Facial droop together with weakness in an arm or leg, slurred or confused speech, or a sudden severe headache. These can be signs of a stroke
- An eye that will not close, or an eye that is red, painful or has changes in vision
- A rash or blisters in or around the ear, along with facial weakness
- Weakness that develops slowly over weeks, or that affects both sides of the face
- No sign of improvement after a few weeks to three months. Ask your doctor about a further review
Frequently asked questions
How long does recovery from Bell's palsy take?
Many people begin to improve within a few weeks, and most recover well over several months. Some are left with mild weakness or tightness. Your doctor will guide the medical side, and we guide the rehabilitation.
Is Bell's palsy a stroke?
No, but a drooping face can also be a sign of stroke, so it needs urgent medical assessment. Weakness of the arm or leg, or difficulty speaking, points towards stroke.
When should facial exercises begin?
Please see your doctor first. Gentle, guided facial rehabilitation can start early, and we tailor it to your stage of recovery and your doctor's plan.
Can exercises make it worse?
Over-working the weak side or making very forceful faces may encourage unwanted movements or tightness in some people as the nerve recovers. That is why we keep exercises gentle and guided.
Can treatment be done at home?
Yes. Home visits are available in Kharadi and nearby areas. Send your locality on WhatsApp and we will confirm whether we can reach you.