Instructions for using the services
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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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Start facial physiotherapy as soon as possible after the diagnosis. Seek therapy no later than 6–8 weeks if recovery has not begun or is only partial. In the early phase, you will be guided on protecting the eye and practising to maintain the connection between the facial muscles and the brain (massage, symmetry). Understanding the progress of recovery is reassuring. You can still start facial physiotherapy even if years have passed since the palsy.
Facial physiotherapy appointments and remote appointments are charged according to “Physiotherapy visit up to 60 minutes”, starting from €119. Without Kela reimbursement €133.10.
Kanta fee €4.20 and outpatient clinic fee €9.90.
The first visit lasts 60 minutes and includes an initial assessment, guidance and counselling, a treatment plan and initial exercises. Follow-up visits deepen the training and update the home programme according to progress. There are usually several treatment sessions, and home exercises are an essential part of achieving results. Appointments can be arranged as remote consultations if needed.
