Customized Care to Relieve Facial Nerve Symptoms

Facial nerve problems can prevent you from making facial expressions or cause unwanted movements. Physical therapy can help you regain control and natural movement.

Our ear, nose and throat (ENT) therapy team offers personalized care and guidance to relieve symptoms of facial nerve weakness, paralysis and synkinesis. As one of the country’s top ENT programs recognized by U.S. News & World Report, you can be confident you’re working with the best. We use the latest approaches to help you face the world with confidence. 

Facial Nerves Testing 

We use electrodiagnostic testing, called electromyography (EMG), to discover the electrical activity of your facial nerves. Just like an electrocardiogram for your heart muscle, this test helps us examine how your facial muscles are working. We use this information to customize your treatment plan. 

Your doctor may recommend facial nerve testing, if you have:

• Bell’s palsy (sudden muscle weakness on one side of your face) 
• Facial nerve injuries 
• Facial palsy (muscle weakness)  
• Facial paresis (paralysis or inability to move some or all facial muscles) 
• Facial synkinesis (involuntary, unwanted facial movements that occur when you make another facial movement) 

How Can Physical Therapy Treat Facial Nerve Problems? 

Facial nerve physical therapy, also called neuromuscular retraining, can help you regain control of specific facial muscles to help improve movement. Our physical therapy team develops customized exercises to restore natural movement. We offer one-on-one guidance during therapy sessions and give you exercises to do at home.  

Your program may include: 

• Exercises to build strength and lengthen weakened muscles, or relax tight or overactive facial muscles 
• Facial massage 
• Strategies to limit abnormal or unwanted movements 

You get personalized treatment that gives you the best results.