Patient exercises

Facial palsy exercises

Gentle re-training for a face that has weakened on one side, once your doctor has confirmed Bell’s palsy or a similar diagnosis.

Neuro Medical Clinic, Mall Road, Saddar, Rawalpindi · Dr. Umar Zafar Ali, Neurologist & Medical Specialist

Before you start

Do these in front of a mirror, without forcing. If the weakness came on suddenly today, be seen the same day — timing changes the treatment.

Step by step

Warm the cheek with a clean, warm (not hot) towel for two minutes and massage upward with your fingertips.
Raise both eyebrows slowly, hold for five seconds, release. Ten times.
Close the eyes gently — never squeeze — hold five seconds. Ten times.
Smile with lips closed, then show teeth. Hold each for five seconds, ten times.
Puff the cheeks with lips closed and hold air for five seconds. If air escapes, support the weak corner with a clean finger.
Protect the eye: lubricating drops in the day, ointment and a patch at night if it does not close fully.

Doing it properly

Little and often beats one long session. Keep to the stated frequency for at least two weeks before judging whether it is helping, and stop any movement that causes sharp pain rather than working through it.

Come in if

Symptoms are worsening, waking you at night, spreading to a new limb, or unchanged after four weeks. Walk in during clinic hours — Monday to Saturday, 11:00 am to 06:00 pm — and bring this guide and any reports with you.

A question about your own case is better answered by the doctor than by a guide. Message the clinic with your name and file number.

General education, not a prescription. Seek urgent care for sudden weakness, slurred speech, a first-ever fit, a face that has drooped, or the worst headache of your life.