How to Avoid Muscle Atrophy With Bell's Palsy

Bell's palsy can be a frightening disorder. Its sudden onset, and its often mysterious cause, can cause panic and frustration in those suffering from it. The positive side of this bothersome illness, characterized by sudden facial paralysis, is that it often resolves itself in time. In the meantime, the course of action is often to treat the symptoms, including preventing atrophy of the facial muscles.

Instructions

• 1

  Exercise the muscles gradually. Facial muscles don't begin to atrophy right away. If you force the muscles to move before your facial nerves begin to heal, you may train the wrong muscles to move and cause uneven movement of the facial muscles later on.

• 2

  Tap or massage your muscles until nerve function begins to return. This gives the muscle gentle stimulation without danger of improper muscle movement.

• 3

  Focus on symmetry. When you're to the point where you can begin exercises, watch yourself in the mirror. Your goal is not just for movement, but also movement that matches the working side of your face.

• 4

  Listen to your body and rest when needed. Your facial nerves have suffered trauma and, like any other injury, need rest just as much as exercise to recover fully.

• 5

  Consider biofeedback. Your attempts to move the muscle may achieve results, even if you can't see them in the mirror. Biofeedback therapy gives you a more in depth look at the activity in your muscles and the results of your efforts.