Facial rehabilitation & physical therapy
For people experiencing facial paralysis, Aurora offers facial neuromuscular retraining – a highly specialized program developed to help you relearn basic facial expressions and movements. Patient-centered in its approach, facial neuromuscular retraining is an effective non-surgical choice for optimal recovery from facial paralysis or facial nerve damage.
Based on the complexities of the treatment methodology, our specialized speech therapists have completed advanced training in facial structure and rehabilitation techniques. Only select health care locations across the country are able to offer this unique physical therapy option. Aurora Health Care is pleased to be one of them.
Facial paralysis causes
Facial paralysis or nerve damage can be caused by:
- Bell's palsy
- Acoustic neuromas and other tumors
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Cancer
- Facial injury
- Congenital conditions
- Herpes zoster (Ramsay-Hunt syndrome)
- Post-surgical conditions such as anastomosis, decompression, cross-facial nerve grafts and muscle transfers
Facial rehabilitation treatment process
Facial neuromuscular retraining treatment begins with an intensive clinical evaluation involving a photographic analysis and sensory feedback. Documentation of facial nerve injury includes:
- Impairments: Asymmetry of facial features (at rest or during voluntary facial movement) such as stiffness, pain, tear secretion, nasal obstruction, or sensory changes
- Disabilities: Issues involving eating, drinking, speaking, blinking, nonverbal communication and tear secretion
- Psychosocial health problems: Isolation, diminished self-esteem and decreased quality of life
In addition to one-on-one treatment sessions, we provide an individualized exercise program that focuses on specific facial muscle groups to enable the highest possible restoration level of facial function and expression. Your commitment to in-home practice will enhance your recovery by teaching motor patterns to become more automatic over time.
Contact us
Contact us with your questions about facial neuromuscular retraining.