What is Facial Palsy?
Facial palsy is a condition that causes weakness or paralysis of the muscles on one side of the face due to disruption of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). This can affect facial expression, blinking, smiling, speech, eating and drinking, as well as eye protection.
Facial palsy can develop suddenly or gradually and has many possible causes, including Bell's palsy, stroke, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, traumatic injury, surgery, infections or neurological conditions. While many people recover well, others may experience ongoing weakness, facial tightness, unwanted facial movements (synkinesis) or muscle stiffness that benefit from specialist rehabilitation.
Early assessment by a clinician experienced in facial rehabilitation can help optimise recovery and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Facial physiotherapy aims to improve facial movement, restore symmetry and optimise recovery by retraining the facial muscles and nervous system. Treatment is always tailored to the stage of recovery and your individual symptoms.
At Greenacre Physio, treatment may include:
- Comprehensive facial movement assessment
- Facial muscle retraining
- Neuromuscular re-education
- Symmetry and movement retraining
- Mirror feedback exercises
- Soft tissue massage and stretching
- Synkinesis management
- Relaxation techniques for facial tightness
- Functional exercises for speech, eating and drinking
- Eye protection advice where appropriate
- Personalised home exercise programmes
Our goal is to help you achieve the best possible facial function while improving confidence and quality of life.
Why Choose Greenacre Physio?
Facial rehabilitation is one of Greenacre Physio's specialist neurological services. Our clinicians have extensive experience treating facial palsy through specialist NHS neurological services and dedicated facial rehabilitation clinics.
We understand that facial palsy affects far more than movement. It can impact communication, confidence, social interactions and emotional wellbeing. Using evidence-based rehabilitation techniques, we provide personalised treatment programmes designed to maximise recovery while supporting you throughout your rehabilitation journey.
Appointments are available at our Essex and Cambridge clinics, as well as through virtual consultations where appropriate.
What to Expect
Your first appointment will include a detailed discussion about your diagnosis, symptoms and recovery so far. We will carry out a comprehensive assessment of your facial movements, muscle activity, resting symmetry, eye closure, speech and functional abilities.
Following your assessment, we will explain your diagnosis, discuss realistic recovery expectations and develop a personalised rehabilitation programme. Your treatment will be progressed as your recovery evolves, ensuring exercises remain appropriate for each stage of healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start facial physiotherapy?
Early assessment is beneficial, particularly if recovery is not progressing as expected. However, people with longer-standing facial palsy and synkinesis can also benefit significantly from specialist rehabilitation.
Can physiotherapy help if my facial palsy happened months or years ago?
Yes. Many people with long-standing facial weakness, tightness or synkinesis experience meaningful improvements through specialist facial rehabilitation.
Will facial exercises strengthen my muscles?
Not always. Facial rehabilitation focuses on improving the quality and coordination of movement rather than simply strengthening muscles. Performing inappropriate exercises can sometimes worsen abnormal movement patterns, which is why specialist assessment is important.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can self-refer directly to Greenacre Physio. We also accept referrals from GPs, neurologists, ENT consultants, plastic surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons and other healthcare professionals.
Book an Appointment
If you have developed facial weakness, facial asymmetry or have been diagnosed with facial palsy, we're here to help. Book an appointment at one of our Essex or Cambridge clinics or arrange a virtual consultation with one of our experienced facial rehabilitation physiotherapists.
Early assessment and evidence-based rehabilitation can help optimise your recovery and improve both function and confidence.
Common Facial Palsy Symptoms we Treat
- Facial weakness
- Difficulty smiling
- Reduced eye closure
- Facial asymmetry
- Synkinesis (unwanted facial movements)
- Facial tightness and stiffness
- Difficulty eating or drinking
- Speech difficulties
- Facial pain or discomfort
- Reduced confidence with facial expressions
Why Choose Greenacre Physio for Facial Palsy?
Facial rehabilitation requires specialist knowledge of facial nerve recovery and muscle retraining. At Greenacre Physio, we provide comprehensive assessments and evidence-based rehabilitation programmes tailored to your stage of recovery and individual goals.
Our clinicians have extensive experience working within specialist NHS neurological services and facial rehabilitation clinics, treating people with Bell's palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, traumatic facial nerve injuries and other causes of facial weakness. We focus on restoring natural facial movement, reducing abnormal muscle activity and helping you regain confidence in your appearance and everyday interactions.
Whether your symptoms are recent or have been present for months or years, we'll work with you to maximise your recovery and support you every step of the way.