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Facial physiotherapy
Facial physiotherapy supports facial nerve recovery, restores facial symmetry and reduces synkinesias (involuntary accompanying movements). Treatment is planned individually and requires specialised expertise.
Specialist in the article
Fysioterapeutti
Revised 1/7/2026
Facial physiotherapy in brief
- Physiotherapy targeted at the face alleviates synkinesis and strengthens correct movement patterns.
- Suitable for rehabilitation after facial nerve palsy (e.g., Bell’s palsy), for synkinesis and facial muscle tightness – also post-surgery.
- Facial physiotherapy involves an individual treatment plan including guidance and counselling, soft tissue techniques, movement training and home exercises.
Facial physiotherapy is an important part of rehabilitation
Facial physiotherapy focuses on treating the physical, functional and psychosocial problems caused by facial palsy. The treatment approach depends on the cause of the palsy and the type of nerve injury. It is also important how much time has passed since the palsy episode. Timely and correctly implemented therapy supports recovery and reduces unwanted synkinesis and tightness.
Information provided in facial physiotherapy is an essential part of care. You will learn to understand how your face functions. You’ll gain a clearer picture of your symptoms as well as the facial nerve injury and recovery. Training utilises soft tissue techniques, relaxation and the Facial Neuromuscular Retraining method (MIME therapy).
Who is facial physiotherapy and facial rehabilitation suitable for?
Facial physiotherapy is particularly suitable after facial nerve palsy (for example, Bell’s palsy). It also helps in managing involuntary synkinesis and hemifacial spasm (unilateral facial muscle twitching). Therapy supports post-surgical rehabilitation and alleviates facial muscle tightness.
Prepare for your visit by describing:
- when your symptoms began and how they have changed
- previous diagnoses and treatments (e.g., corticosteroids, antiviral medication, surgery)
- everyday challenges (closing the eye, eating and drinking, speaking)
- eye drops or ointments currently in use if the eye does not close properly
- any imaging results and medical statements
- your wishes and goals for rehabilitation (e.g., smile symmetry, eye closure, speech clarity)
How facial physiotherapy progresses
Facial physiotherapy is individualised care. Goals and methods are tailored to symptoms and the stage of recovery. The therapy requires specialised expertise, as inappropriate exercises can increase tightness and unwanted synkinesias.
Assessment of facial movements, symmetry and function, and setting goals.
Selection of methods and scheduling of sessions.
Explanation of facial function and the stages of facial nerve recovery.
Manual treatment of muscles and tissues through massage and stretches.
Facial neuromuscular retraining to reduce synkinesis.
Exercises, training frequency, repetitions, monitoring progress and updating the programme.
Recovery and further guidance
Nerve recovery takes time and requires patience. Recovery is individual. In Bell’s palsy, the majority recover well, and facial physiotherapy started early and targeted correctly supports recovery. If the eye does not close, it must be protected. Use moisturising drops during the day and long-acting drops or ointment at night. If necessary, the eye is taped. This prevents corneal drying. We will guide you step by step – in facial physiotherapy you will receive instructions tailored to your exact situation.
When synkinesis are present, training focuses on facial neuromuscular retraining and relaxation to reduce involuntary, unwanted movements.
If needed, we will also refer you for further examinations to an ophthalmologist, an ear, nose and throat specialist, a plastic surgeon or a neurologist. If recovery does not progress as expected or symptoms worsen, the assessment is updated and the treatment pathway refined.
Frequently asked questions about facial physiotherapy
Facial physiotherapy is a specialised form of physiotherapy. It supports facial nerve recovery and restores facial symmetry. In addition, it prevents and reduces synkinesis. Treatment includes guidance and counselling, soft tissue techniques, relaxation, targeted exercises and home exercises.
Most facial palsies recover well, especially milder forms. Early medical treatment and individual facial physiotherapy promote recovery and can reduce unwanted synkinesias. It is worth starting facial physiotherapy even if years have passed since the onset of the palsy.
Therapy includes guidance and counselling, soft tissue techniques, relaxation and exercises. The procedures help relearn and control movements of the facial muscles to reduce involuntary, unwanted synkinesis.
It is suitable after facial nerve palsy, for alleviating synkinesis and hemifacial spasm (unilateral facial muscle twitching), for post-surgical rehabilitation and for relieving facial muscle tightness. Appropriate for all ages when planned individually, even years after the onset of the palsy.
Yes. Facial physiotherapy is an essential part of rehabilitation in Bell’s palsy. It facilitates everyday activities, supports the restoration of facial symmetry and reduces involuntary, unwanted synkinesis that occur simultaneously with voluntary movements.
Exercises include massage, stretches and relaxation for the facial muscles. Training utilises Facial Neuromuscular Retraining (MIME therapy). The method helps to relearn and control facial muscle movements and reduce involuntary, unwanted synkinesias.
