Long-Term Bell's Palsy Recovery
Refined Recovery For When Symptoms Persist
Supporting Continued Recovery & Ongoing Care
Even Years Later
If you experience regression with fatigue, stress, or aging —
or continue to navigate the lasting effects of a lengthy recovery or complications such as synkinesis —
You are not alone.
Just like any other injury or affliction, facial recovery may require ongoing maintenance and occasional refinement. It’s natural for symptoms to shift over time — especially during periods of stress, illness, or change. With the right tools and awareness, these moments can become opportunities to restore balance rather than setbacks.
What To Do
More Tools to Improve What You Thought Was Lost
or To Prevent Deterioration
Recovery is not always linear, and the following therapies offer tools to help you break through stagnation, correct compensatory patterns, and deepen your healing journey.
Synkinesis Retraining
Facial Synkinesis (pronounced sin-ki-nee-sis) means the development of linked or unwanted facial movements. It is common and occurs in the majority of people who are recovering from prolonged facial palsy. It was thought that abnormal regrowth of facial nerve fibers or miswiring of the facial muscles was the cause of Synkinesis. New research suggests however that synkinesis is caused by incorrect movement patterns learnt by the brain due to constant voluntary attempts to move the affected side during paralysis. This means that the pattern can be corrected or at least reduced significantly! By addressing the overactive and rigid muscles that are preventing other muscles from working easily together, retraining is possible.
Address the Foundation of the Neck
When the 7th cranial nerve ceases functioning, it ceases innervating muscles in the neck as well. This causes imbalances that need to be corrected. Especially if you have experienced long standing facial palsy. The neck is the foundation for the face and it's muscles can exasperate symptoms of Bell's Palsy.
There are studies that show marked improvement in long standing facial palsy symptoms with upper cervical adjustments and the release of the muscles that create compression on the nerves.
Lymphatic Drainage For Facial Palsy
Facial paralysis slows lymphatic drainage and reduces circulation to the facial muscles. Over time, this can lead to tightness, tenderness, and muscle atrophy, especially if paralysis persists.
Lymphatic drainage therapy is a gentle manual technique that stimulates lymph flow and improves circulation, helping paralyzed facial muscles rejuvenate.
MPS Therapy
Microcurrent Point Stimulation (MPS) Therapy offers a groundbreaking, all-natural, drug-free method to address the challenges of Facial Palsy. **This is not the same as the microcurrent facial toning devices or tens units**
Utilizing brief, concentrated microcurrent impulses applied directly to key acupuncture points, MPS Therapy helps retrain the communication between the brain and facial muscles—providing relief from chronic pain, reducing muscle tension, scar tissue and adhesion release and promoting natural healing.
Navigating Regression & Recovery Cycles
Healing is rarely linear. For those walking the path of Facial Palsy recovery, setbacks are not only common—they're part of the landscape. It’s natural to experience periods of regression. These moments can feel discouraging, but they often hold valuable insights if we learn to listen closely.
Also refer to the If Your Recovery Is Slow And More Complicated page for foundational guidance on longer recoveries. It covers essential techniques and helps you identify the areas that may benefit most from your focus.
What To Avoid
Avoid Forcing Synkinesis Retraining If You Are Experiencing Tightness and/or Contraction
Muscles are mistakenly thought of as weak when actually they are tight or stiff and may have adhesions making difficult to move. First you must work on softening and releasing. You can make a muscle move properly that is compromised. Only after releasing the chronic tension or stiffness should you attempt to retrain.
Once you create space for movement and by softening the facial muscles that are “holding other muscles captive” , then movement must be re-coordinated through retraining.
Striving For Perfection
At some point in your recovery, the hardest work may not be physical—it’s what happens in front of the mirror. You start analyzing every movement, every asymmetry, every flicker of difference. Perfection creeps in like a shadow.
But here’s the truth: perfection isn’t natural. It isn’t even real.
Most people—those who’ve never had Bell’s Palsy—have quirks and asymmetries in their faces. One eye slightly smaller. A crooked smile. An expressive brow that only works on one side. These differences aren’t flaws. They’re human.
Get inspired with ongoing tips and guidance.
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