What are the massages for facial paralysis? Massages can offer us different therapeutic effects depending on the way in which they are applied, finding a very useful resource to treat multiple pathologies. Among these, facial paralysis is one of the conditions that we can treat through the use of these maneuvers applied to our body. We are going to know what are the massages for facial paralysis.
In this article we will develop in a summarized and comfortable way all the points you need to know to understand about massages for facial paralysis. But first, we must understand more about this pathology, in order to then enter correctly into the context to be treated.
What is facial paralysis?
Facial paralysis is a disorder characterized by the partial or total loss of facial movement, due to the inability to use the muscles of the face voluntarily. This type of condition is treated with a series of maneuvers that, by improving circulation, provide positive therapeutic results to regain normal control of the face.
There are two types of facial paralysis, differing mainly depending on the area of the face affected: partial paralysis and total paralysis. The person, in any of the cases, will find difficulty speaking, a feeling of dryness in the eye, pain in the affected area, problems closing the eyelid and hyperacusis.
Additionally, we will find a so-called central facial paralysis, which is explained at the level of a lesion in the brain and not in the facial nerves respectively. For these cases, the affectation will only appear in a quarter of the face, specifically, in the lower middle section of the face – either on the right or left side.
How should facial paralysis be treated?
The treatment will depend on the type of facial paralysis that the patient suffers. In this article, we will focus on facial paralysis caused by a failure of the facial nerves specifically. This kind of paralysis is treated with massages that will significantly improve circulation in the face area, which will speed up the time in which the patient can regain mobility.
Typically, there are alternative treatments aimed at treating facial paralysis such as blowing for a certain period of time, or also chewing hard foods such as gum or candy. This type of treatment does not present any guarantee or approval in the medical area, contrary to massages, which are properly a physiotherapeutic treatment.
The first step is to consult with a specialist, who will help you determine the origin and cause of the paralysis, which will later allow you to define the type of treatment.
Massages for facial paralysis (Product of facial nerve failure)
The application of these massages is to promote the stimulation of cellular metabolism, as well as to help stimulate muscle tissue trophicity. All this, through the improvement of circulation. The relaxation provided by the massages provides, on a psychological level, a disposition in the molding of your nerves.
Massages performed by the patient
As their name suggests, they are maneuvers that the patient can perform on their own. However, they must also be corroborated by the specialist in charge, who will indicate if they are being carried out correctly.
Contraction of the lips: As in the moment of giving a kiss, the lips should be contracted slightly. This process should be repeated slowly for 1 minute.
Blowing: You should blow lightly as if you wanted to whistle. Repeat this procedure at least 20 times.
Teeth in pressure: You will clench your teeth slowly and with considerable pressure, but without exerting a very important force.
Let it relax for 10 seconds and then squeeze again. This should be done for 5 minutes.
Upper lip lift: The patient should raise their upper lip to the nose, so that the upper teeth are fully exposed. Do it for at least 1 minute, gently and carefully.
Open corner: You should smile without opening your mouth, stretching your lips towards the lips, specifically uncovering the corner. This should be done from the inside out and vice versa.
Manual stretch: On your right cheek, you will place your left hand. Now, with the use of his index and middle, he should stretch his cheek slightly, but without attracting the lower right eyelid. He will let it sit for 5 seconds and then he will stretch again.
Wrinkled chin: It will raise the chin as much as possible, wrinkling it if possible. He will repeat it for at least 1 minute.
Open and close: You will close and open your eyes for about 10 minutes, slowly, avoiding doing this movement quickly and abruptly.
Brow lift: Carefully, he should raise his eyebrows as much as possible. The expression should be like that of a specifically surprised face. Upon reaching the top, he will let them rest for 5 seconds and then go back up. This should be done for 10 minutes.
Massages performed by a physiotherapist
On the other hand, these massages are applied by a specialist on the patient’s face. In this regard, two examples are presented:
Massages in the eye area: Its starting point is the area between the eyebrows, crossing the upper area of the eyelids to reach the outer corner of the eye. Now it should go up to the nose, reaching its root.
This massage should be done by applying light touches of pressure, going through the areas mentioned in the respective order.
Massage of light passes: Light and symmetrical movements should be made on both sides of the face, supporting with greater pressure on the affected side (in case of partial paralysis). The route must be carried out along the margins of the face, from top to bottom, and with very soft touches until reaching the forehead.
With these applications, the patient will be able to find a rapid and full evolutionary process in the recovery of their facial mobility. It is important to have the assistance of a specialist who can ensure the correct application of the massages. Since a bad application could lead to sequelae in the complications associated with facial movement.
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