Often times, a stroke can cause facial paralysis or partial loss of muscle control. As a result, some particular part of the face gets stiff and leads to a lot of difficulties in making any facial movement. This only makes the speech, eating, and facial expressions difficult for stroke survivors.
Hence, one should attempt to reduce facial paralysis to lead a normal life again. Thankfully, there are many ways that can help you in facial paralysis. Beside your proper medication, you can try some therapeutic exercises and should never give up hope.
Below mentioned are some of the basic movements, which can help you deal with the facial paralysis.
1. Laughing
You can try laughing as an exercise to get benefited from it. It helps in the movement of your face and improves the blood circulation in your face nerves. Therefore, it isn’t a bad idea to laugh daily for some time every day.
2. Mouth Stretching
Mouth stretching is another fundamental exercise for stroke survivors. You just need to open and close your mouth again and again. As a precaution, perform it slowly in the beginning.
3. Eyebrows Stretching
Eyebrow stretching will help you improve the movement and blood circulation in your forehead and around your eyes. To do the exercise, move your eyebrows up and down at regular intervals. Initially, the exercise can be performed twice a day for 15-20 minutes. Gradually, increase the number of repetitions.
4. Lip Movement
Lip movement is another useful exercise for facial paralysis. To do the exercise, make the movements with your lips, from left to right. You can also make the pout and retain this position for some time.
Please note
The above-mentioned exercise regime should be performed under the supervision of a caregiver (particularly if facial paralysis is severe). An individualized stroke rehabilitation program is recommended to address a specific root-cause.