Facial paralysis exercises are designed to help improve speech as well as facial movements in those who have suffered from a stroke. Facial paralysis can be temporary, and normal facial function can return with minimal rehabilitation. Despite this, it is often necessary to perform various exercises from the jaw to the cheek to help expedite the process.
Smile
This basic exercise is designed to strengthen the muscles around your mouth. Sit in a chair with your back straight and feet flat on the floor. With your face straight, slowly move your mouth into a smile. As you do so, transition your expression into a pucker, making sure to use the muscles in both sides of your face. Hold this position for several seconds before relaxing.
Frowning
Frowning will help strengthen the muscles in your upper face as well along your eyebrow. Start by sitting in a relaxed position with your arms at your sides. Slowly furrow your brow, making sure to bring both of your eyebrows down toward the ground. Once you have moved them as far as you can, hold for several seconds before relaxing your face and body. Repeat this exercise until you feel fatigued.
Eye Resistance Exercise
With your back straight and your feet flat on the floor, begin closing one of your eyes. As you start to close the eye, do not allow your mouth to pull up as you do so. In addition, try not to move either one of your eyebrows as you close your eye. Once you have successfully closed one eye, slowly open it again, repeating the exercise with your other eye. Alternate between both eyes for a set number of repetitions.
Lip Exercise
This exercise will strengthen your lip muscles as well as the facial muscles right above your lips. With your head facing forward, attempt to curl your upper lip as high as you can. Once you have raised your lip to an appropriate height, protrude your upper lip, holding this position for several seconds before relaxing. Repeat the exercise as many times as you can before resting. As you improve, try whistling while extending your lips out.
