FACIAL PARALYSIS
FACIAL PARALYSIS PHYSICAL THERAPY
Facial expression is our primary form of non-verbal communication. Our face represents us to the world and tells others what we are feeling. Being unable to express emotions is a devastating impairment for any individual. Facial paralysis not only limits a person’s ability to show emotion, it can produce functional deficits, including inability to close the eyes and difficulty eating, drinking and speaking.
OUR PROGRAM
Our therapists have specific training in treating patients with various facial disorders, and are here to work with you and your physician to ensure an effective treatment program. Our facial retraining program uses non-invasive techniques to treat diagnosed facial paralysis. Patients undergo a detailed physical therapy evaluation of facial function and impairments, and receive hands-on treatments with specific neuromuscular retraining to help restore facial expression and function.
All work is performed in private, personalized treatment sessions focused on the patient’s specific goals. Patients receive a home program that relies on self-monitoring quality and symmetry of movement. Treatment intervals vary for each individual based on their goals, functional abilities, proximity to clinic, and the complexity of the intervention.
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Some patients have accompanying balance and vestibular impairments. Symptoms may include: imbalance, fear of falling, dizziness, lightheadedness, vertigo, difficulty walking in the dark or on uneven surfaces, difficulty with quick head movement or bending over. Research supports favorable outcomes in balance/vestibular rehabilitation for individuals that receive individualized instruction in exercises specific to their impairments. Balance Rehabilitation is equipped to skillfully evaluate and treat these disorders as well.
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