Bell’s Palsy Facial Exercises for Faster Recovery

Bell’s palsy is a nervous disorder that leads to facial nerve paralysis, causing one side of the face to droop. Also known as Idiopathic Facial Paralysis, this condition results from muscle weakness on one side of the face and can impact expressions, blinking, and oral movements.

While Bell’s palsy often heals on its own, targeted physiotherapy, including Bell’s palsy exercises and eye exercises, can significantly improve recovery time and facial control. Before starting treatment, a physiotherapist will assess jaw, mouth, eye, and lip mobility to tailor specific muscle retraining exercises.

In this article, we cover the diagnosis, treatment options, and facial exercises that play a key role in managing and recovering from Bell’s Palsy.

How Is Bell’s Palsy Diagnosed? Tests and Assessments Explained

Diagnosing Bell’s palsy is primarily a clinical process, focused on recognising signs of facial nerve paralysis and ruling out other serious causes of facial weakness. There is no single test that confirms Bell’s palsy, so doctors use a combination of examination techniques and diagnostic tools to ensure accurate identification.

Physical Examination

A physiotherapist or physician will begin with a detailed assessment of facial muscle function. This includes checking your ability to smile, close your eyes, lift your eyebrows, and move your lips. Weakness on one side of the face, especially if it developed suddenly, is a key indicator of Bell’s palsy.

Diagnosis by Exclusion

Bell’s palsy is often diagnosed by excluding other possible conditions like stroke, brain tumours, or infections such as Lyme disease. If the symptoms are typical and limited to facial paralysis, further tests may not be necessary.

Electromyography (EMG)

EMG may be used to evaluate the electrical activity in facial muscles. It helps determine the extent of nerve damage and can confirm whether the facial nerve is affected, especially if recovery is delayed or uncertain.

MRI or CT Imaging

Imaging scans like MRI or CT are useful in ruling out other neurological issues. These tests provide detailed views of the facial nerve pathways and are used when symptoms are atypical or when a secondary cause is suspected.

Blood Tests

In some cases, blood tests may be ordered to eliminate underlying infections or systemic conditions such as diabetes or inflammatory diseases. These tests are supportive rather than diagnostic for Bell’s palsy.

Bell’s Palsy Treatment: Medical Care, Physiotherapy & Facial Exercises

Bell’s palsy treatment focuses on reducing nerve inflammation, protecting the eye, and restoring facial muscle function through a combination of medication, physiotherapy, and home-based facial exercises. While many cases resolve naturally, early intervention can significantly improve recovery outcomes.

Medication and Early Medical Intervention

Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, are the most commonly prescribed medications and are most effective when started within 72 hours of symptom onset. These help reduce swelling around the facial nerve, improving the chances of full recovery. In certain cases, antiviral drugs may also be used. For patients unable to close one eye properly, lubricating eye drops, ointments, or protective eye patches are essential to prevent dryness and injury to the cornea.

Physiotherapy and Facial Muscle Retraining

Physiotherapy plays a central role in Bell’s palsy recovery. A structured therapy plan helps preserve muscle tone, prevent stiffness, and retrain the muscles to move in a coordinated and symmetrical manner. Physiotherapists assess the severity of facial paralysis and tailor exercises that gradually rebuild neuromuscular control.

Targeted Facial Exercises

Facial exercises help re-establish voluntary control and reduce synkinesis (unwanted facial movements). These exercises may include controlled eyebrow lifts, gentle eye closures, smiling exercises, and lip movements. Regular repetition throughout the day can aid in improving symmetry and facial responsiveness.

Adjunctive Therapies and Home Care

Additional supportive measures can enhance comfort and improve recovery:

• Warm compresses to relax tight facial muscles
• Gentle facial massage to improve circulation
• Moisturising the eye to prevent dryness
• Sleep-time eye protection using a patch or tape
• Practising calm, slow facial movements to avoid muscle overuse

These therapies are typically used alongside core physiotherapy and medication to support holistic recovery.

Successful Bell’s palsy treatment involves early medication, protective eye care, and a consistent physiotherapy routine. A combination of guided facial exercises and home-care techniques helps restore facial function, reduce complications, and accelerate the recovery process.

Easy Facial Exercises For Bell’s Palsy

Facial exercises can help improve strength, coordination, and movement in the face after Bell’s palsy. These gentle routines are designed to wake up weak facial muscles and encourage healing. Always perform these exercises slowly, in front of a mirror, and stop if you feel pain or fatigue.

Here are some simple exercises you can do at home:

Eyebrow Lift

Goal: Improve movement in a droopy eyebrow.

Steps to Perform:

• Sit comfortably in front of a mirror.
• Try to raise both eyebrows at the same time.
• If one eyebrow doesn’t move, gently lift it using your fingers.
• Move it up and down a few times.
• Repeat 5–10 times, twice a day.

Tip: Be gentle. Do not force the eyebrow if it feels stiff.

Eye Movement & Strengthening

Goal: Reduce tightness around the eye and improve blinking.

• Look down slowly, then gently close the affected eye.
• Use your fingers to stretch the eyebrow above the weak eye.
• Rub your eyelid softly to relax the muscles.
• Try slow blinking and squinting a few times.
• Repeat this set every few hours.

Tip: Use eye drops if the eye feels dry or doesn’t close fully.

Nose and Cheek Activation

Goal: Regain movement in the cheek and upper face.

• Try to scrunch your face as if smelling something strong.
• Use your fingers to help lift the cheek on the affected side.
• Gently push your nostril outward and upward.
• Smile slightly while holding the movement.
• Repeat 10 times, 2–3 times a day.

Nostril Breathing

Goal: Improve airflow and nasal muscle control.

• Sit upright and breathe in slowly through both nostrils.
• Now try to inhale deeply while covering the unaffected nostril.
• This makes the weak side work harder.
• You should feel the nostril flare slightly.
• Repeat this 5 times per session.

Tip: Alternate slow and quick breaths to challenge the muscles.

Gentle Mouth Control 

Goal: Strengthen lips and improve smiling ability.

• Smile with lips closed.
• Use your fingers to hold both corners of your mouth in place.
• Hold the smile for a few seconds, then relax.
• Now try it without using your fingers.
• Repeat each step 10 times.

Additional Eye Exercises for Bell’s Palsy

If your eye feels droopy, weak, or dry, these specific exercises may help restore function and reduce discomfort.

Warm-Up Massage

• Use clean fingers to gently rub the eyelid in circles.
• This helps increase blood flow and reduce stiffness.
• Do this before any other eye exercises.

Eyelid Resistance Exercise

• Raise your eyebrows and hold them.
• Place one finger gently under your eyelid to create resistance.
• Try blinking or pressing the eye shut while holding your finger.
• Do this for 5–10 seconds.
• Repeat every hour during the day if comfortable.

Eyepatch Therapy

• Cover your healthy eye with a soft patch.
• Try to use only the weaker eye to blink and focus.
• Do this in short sessions (10–15 minutes) a few times a day.
• It encourages the affected eye to work more actively.

When to Stop Exercises and Consult a Physiotherapist

Facial exercises for Bell’s palsy are generally safe when done gently and correctly. However, every individual heals differently, and pushing too hard can sometimes do more harm than good.

It’s important to listen to your body. If you notice any of the following signs during or after your facial exercises, it’s time to pause the exercises and speak to a healthcare professional:

• Increased facial stiffness or tightness after exercise
• Sharp or shooting pain in the face, jaw, or eye
• Worsening facial droop or muscle weakness
• Twitching or involuntary movements while exercising
• New difficulty in blinking, smiling, or chewing
• Eye irritation, dryness, or blurred vision after eye exercises
• Dizziness, fatigue, or discomfort during breathing exercises

A trained physiotherapist can assess whether the exercises are suitable for your stage of recovery. They may adjust the movements, reduce intensity, or suggest advanced techniques like neuromuscular retraining or guided mirror therapy. If needed, they’ll work alongside neurologists or ENT specialists to ensure a safe and effective treatment plan.

Personalised Physiotherapy Care for Bell’s Palsy Recovery at Physiotattva

At Physiotattva, Bell’s palsy rehabilitation is guided by experienced physiotherapists using personalised assessments and evidence‑based facial therapy. Structured exercise plans, eye care support, and close monitoring help improve facial movement, comfort, and recovery outcomes in a safe and supportive clinical environment.

At Physiotattva physiotherapy clinics in Bangalore and Hyderabad, you receive personalised care tailored to your specific needs, ensuring effective results and comfort throughout your journey to recovery. 

Don’t wait to start your recovery! Get in touch with Physiotattva for more details! Contact us at +91 89510 47001.

FAQs

What is the best exercise for Bell's palsy?

Nose and cheek exercises are highly recommended as they help restore mobility in the affected areas. Alongside these, regular practice of eye, eyebrow, mouth exercises, and resistance workouts can further improve facial strength and coordination.

How do you fix Bell's palsy in the eye?

Resistance exercises and focused eye/eyebrow movements can help strengthen eyelid control. Using an eye patch on the unaffected eye also encourages more activity in the affected one, promoting better muscle response. 

What helps Bell's palsy heal faster?

A combination of early medication, physiotherapy, and regular facial exercises supports faster recovery. Targeted facial workouts help restore movement and improve nerve-muscle coordination over time. 

How long does Bell's palsy in the eye last?

Most people recover from Bell’s palsy-related eye issues within 9 months. However, if symptoms persist beyond 3 weeks, it’s important to consult a physiotherapist or neurologist for further evaluation.

Does physiotherapy help Bell's palsy?

Yes, physiotherapy plays a key role in Bell’s palsy recovery. Structured exercises like eye patch workouts, eye and eyebrow movements, and resistance-based routines can improve facial function and prevent long-term complications.