Is one side of your face feeling numb and unable to move? Is it drooping because of a stroke, bell’s palsy, Parkinson’s disease or any disease that may cause facial asymmetry? Do you want to improve the symmetry of your face? If you do, then this video might help you.
One of the very first things that you will notice while you are having a stroke or after you had a stroke is one side of your face is drooping or asymmetrical. It is difficult to move the side affected by a stroke and that includes your face. When that happens it is difficult to make facial expressions and most importantly it is also difficult for you to talk, chew and swallow.
As occupational therapists, We develop exercises to help you improve the symmetry of your face, improve the strength of the weaker side and improve motor control.
In this video we will be doing facial exercises to improve the muscle tone, symmetry and control of your facial muscles.
The first exercise is eyebrow racing. Bring your eyebrows up towards your hairline. I know it is difficult to move the stroke side so you can assist it with your fingers. How old is for 10 seconds.
Second exercise is frowning. Try to bring your eyebrows together. Again you can use your fingers to assist the weaker side and then see if it you are able to hold it in place without your fingers. Hold it for 10 seconds.
Next exercise is nose flaring. Flare your nose for 10 seconds.
Fourth exercise is forced smiling. Try to smile as big as you can and that includes your eyes so your eyes will be squinting and with your thumb and middle finger, assist the weaker side of your mouth and outer side of the eye upwards.
Fifth exercise is puffer face. Keep your mouth closed while blowing air into your mouth like you’re blowing a balloon. Hold it for 10 seconds.
Six exercise is kissy lips. Protrude your lips like you’re about to kiss. If you have difficulty doing this, assist with your hands pressing against your cheeks. Holders for 10 seconds
Seventh exercise is pouting. Bring your jaw forward and up with your lips covering your upper lip hold it for 10 seconds.
Eighth exercise is opening your mouth. Open your mouth but not too big that you are forcing it because you might hurt your jaw and dislocated. Assess your lower jaw with your good hand. Hil this for 10 seconds.
Ninth exercise is cheek sucking. With your mouth closed, suck your cheeks inwards and hold it for 10 seconds.
Last exercise is Jaw side to side. With
your mouth slightly open, bring your jaw side to side 10x.
When you feel that you are already having facial fatigue, rest then after maybe two minutes do the rest of the exercises. Try to do this 3 to 5 times a day.
#stroke #strokesurvivor #occupationaltherapy
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Disclaimer:
This video should not replace the necessity of visiting your doctor or getting your occupational therapy session done. Please consult your primary care physician before doing any of this. The video is for educational purposes only.
By performing any fitness exercises, you are performing them at your own risk. Skills and wellness will not be responsible or liable for any injury or harm you sustain as a result of our fitness program.
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