Exercises for neuritis of the facial nerve. Video gymnastics

Exercises with damage to the facial nerve (neuritis) are selected depending on the stage of development of the pathology. Gymnastics helps to restore facial movements, eliminate facial asymmetry, dryness, lacrimation and pain.

The benefits and harms of gymnastics for the face with neuritis of the facial nerve

Exercises for neuritis of the facial nerve relieve the condition of the patient suffering from inflammation of the peripheral fibers. The main benefit of the complex is to restore the motor activity of the affected parts of the face. Exercises are selected individually.

Gymnastic complexes contribute to:

• relaxation of muscle fibers;
• decrease in the severity of paresis;
• building muscle fiber mass;
• restoration of blood circulation;
• restoration of nerve bundles.

Mimic gymnastics does not bring harm. The disadvantages of the complex include possible contraindications.

When to start exercising

Mimic gymnastics for neuritis of the facial nerve can be considered a non-pharmacological method of treatment. You can start doing exercises only during the recovery period. The acute stage (usually lasts 2-3 weeks) of the development of neuritis is considered the most dangerous - at this time it is strictly forbidden to overload the muscles.

Contraindications and precautions

Exercises for neuritis of the facial nerve in the presence of contraindications are strictly prohibited.

The absolute restrictions include:

• diseases of an infectious, viral, bacterial nature (during an exacerbation);
• period of exacerbation of pathologies of the chronic course;
• inflammatory processes affecting the skin, joints, internal organs and systems;
• contraction of muscle fibers (usually involuntary) in the corners of the eye;
• jumps in body temperature (increase to critical indicators);
• contraction of facial muscles.

Experts recommend that people with neuritis of the facial nerve carefully dose the exercises and the intensity of their performance. If pain occurs, the training should be stopped immediately. Between complexes, it is necessary to maintain pauses of up to 5 minutes. It is strictly forbidden to overload the nervous system.

The above conditions cannot be considered absolute contraindications. Complexes are selected individually.

Features and rules of implementation

Gymnastics, aimed at restoring the motor activity of the affected areas, at the first stages of the base period should be performed under the supervision of the attending physician. If necessary, the specialist will explain how to choose the right intensity of movements. During the recovery period after the end of drug therapy, you can start independent studies.

It is necessary to perform mimic gymnastics daily, for 5-10 minutes. With the permission of the attending physician, the duration of the session can be increased up to 15 minutes. When performing gymnastics, it is necessary to ensure that the muscles of the healthy parts of the face remain relaxed. You can put your palms on your forehead or cheeks.

Before exercising, you need to activate the nervous system. To do this, you need to work out the gymnastic complex in your thoughts. It is recommended to maintain intervals between workouts - it is important for the muscles to rest.

The principle of action of mimic gymnastics is based on alternating tension and relaxation of muscle structures. Several different exercises can be performed to restore articulation, movement of the eyes, tongue and lips. Experts recommend combining gymnastics with massage of different areas (face, neck and collar area). Non-pharmacological methods also include applications, taping.

Preparation for facial gymnastics, preliminary massage

Exercises that will be useful for neuritis of the facial nerve are performed after preparation. Heat compresses, point massaging of the affected areas of the face stimulates blood flow, restores cellular metabolism and lymph outflow. Self-massage helps to relax muscle fibers.

During the initial recovery phase, the session should be supervised by a professional. When self-massaging, it is necessary to work out the affected areas in turn (from top to bottom or bottom to top). Movements should be as light and accurate as possible. In order to speed up the healing process, you can use electric current (minimum voltage).

The massage is performed in front of a mirror. Light, circular movements work out the area of ​​the neck, chin, nose, cheeks, eyes. You also need to massage the area of ​​the ears and lips. At the final stage, it is necessary to work out the muscles of the neck, making several tilts of the head to the side, forward and backward.

Algorithm for performing massage:

1. massage the forehead area with your fingertips, smoothly moving to the eyebrows;
2. the outer and inner corners of the eyes are worked out with the pads of the index fingers (the eyes must be closed);
3. move from the eyes to the nose, massaging the wings up and down;
4. the skin in the area of ​​the lips and chin is gently pulled to the right and left, up and down.

Respiratory gymnastics plays an important role. It helps to restore mental and physical health.

Execution algorithm:

1. sitting on a chair, place your hands with your palms up, bend them at the elbows, straighten your back;
2. take a deep breath, clench your fists tightly;
3. get up from a chair, clench your fists, clasp your hands to your chest;
4. take a deep breath;
5. strain your legs, perform a squat while inhaling.

Also popular are the methods of Buteyko, Strelnikova, Lobanova.

A set of exercises for the basic period of therapy

The baseline period is understood as the initial stage of neuritis formation (1-10 days). A bandage is applied to the patient's face and exercises are selected that are considered preparatory. During the basic period of therapy, it is strictly forbidden to overload muscle and nerve fibers. The therapy includes 15-20 sessions lasting up to 10 minutes.

Gymnastics for the eyes

For neuritis of the facial nerve, treatment with the position is recommended: the side of the face affected by paresis must be constantly supported with the palm of your hand. Experts recommend sleeping on the paralyzed part.

Experts recommend performing a set of exercises every day, sitting or standing in front of a mirror. It is necessary to control the force of pressing. When doing gymnastics, the healthy side of the face must be supported with the palm of your hand.

Gymnastics for the eyes:

• "Voltage". It is necessary to sit on a chair with your back straight. Take in your hands any object (pen, pencil) on which it is easy to focus your gaze. Bring it to the bridge of the nose and examine for 2-3 minutes. The exercise is aimed at developing muscle fibers.
• "Infinity (" eight ")". It is necessary to sit on a chair (preferably lean it against the wall), straightening your back. The head must be kept upright without moving. It is necessary to try to portray a three-dimensional figure with your eyes.
• "Circles". The exercise can be done while sitting or standing. You can lean your head against the wall to keep it stationary. With their eyes, trying not to overstrain the muscles, they "draw" large circles.

You can also do exercises that include various motor movements (left, right, up, down).

Lip exercises

Lip exercises help to strengthen the circular muscle. Experts recommend doing them while sitting on a chair or in bed. The shoulders should be slightly lowered.

Gymnastics for the lips:

• Inflate your cheeks and stretch your lips with a "tube", trying to move the air from left to right. After completing the exercise, you need to pronounce the vowels several times ("a", "o", "and", "I", "u", "e") while stretching the lips as much as possible.
• Take a deep breath through your nose and exhale air through your mouth. When doing breathing exercises, the lips should be relaxed. It is necessary to repeat the exercise several times, then stretch the lips with a "tube", fix the position for 10-20 seconds.
• Inhale the air through your mouth, pressing your lips and teeth tightly together. Try to release air from the corner of the affected side's mouth. Perform up to 15 repetitions.

The restoration of muscle and nerve fibers in neuritis is facilitated by pulsating movements. Use your fingertips to gently massage the corners of the lips for 3-5 minutes. It is important to remember that the muscles on the healthy side of the face should be at rest.

 Exercises for the tongue

With neuritis of the facial nerve, experts recommend articulatory gymnastics to be carried out daily. A session can last 3-5 minutes.

Exercises:

• "Coils". Press the tongue against the front teeth, relaxing it as much as possible so that the edges of the organ touch the molars. With an effort to stick your tongue forward.
• "Tassel". Open your mouth wide and, sticking out your tongue, first lick the lower lip in a circular motion, then the upper one.
• "Cobra". Reveal growth, stick out your tongue, trying to roll it up with a "tube". Make a few protruding movements forward, then again "hide" it behind your teeth.
• "Swing". Roll your tongue into a "tube", try to touch the tip of your chin and nose through your slightly open mouth.
• "Shovel". Relax the tongue, place it on the lower lip (the organ should not tremble at the same time). Fix the position for 30-40 sec.
• "Needle". Opening your mouth wide, stretch your tongue out with a "tube". Fix the position for 30-40 sec.
• "Clock". Tongue rolled into a "tube" through a slightly open mouth with an effort to pull to the left and right sides.

Articulation exercises for the language also include working out vowels and consonants. You need to pronounce them loudly, while stretching out your tongue.

Complex for facial expressions

Mimic exercises help to restore the motor activity of the facial muscles. Exercises should be performed daily (preferably 2-3 times a day).

Gymnastic complex:

• Make circular movements with your tongue without opening your mouth (10 times to the left, 10 times to the right).
• Pull the lips with a "tube", trying to depict the "eight" in the air.
• Open your mouth slightly, trying to lower the jaw as low as possible. This exercise needs special attention. It must be performed slowly and carefully. If painful sensations appear, gymnastics should be stopped. The eyebrows should remain relaxed during execution.
• Slightly push the lower jaw forward, trying not to move the eyes, eyebrows and lips.
• Stretch the corners of the lips, trying to smile as wide as possible. The forehead and eyebrows must remain motionless. Fix the position for 3-5 seconds, then relax.

Experts recommend doing up to 5 repetitions to consolidate the result. It is necessary to work out all the affected areas (forehead, lips, eyes) in turn.

Exercises for basic therapy

Exercises for neuritis of the facial nerve, which are included in the main therapy (in addition to medications), must be performed for several months. The main therapy lasts up to 3 months. During this period, peripheral muscles are actively worked out.

During the day, up to 6 hours are given for gymnastics:

• in the morning (after 30 min. after waking up) - 2 hours;
• in the afternoon - 2 hours;
• in the evening (for 2 h. before sleep) - 2 h.

Do not forget about the study of the affected parts of the face:

Affected area	Execution technique
Forehead and eyebrows	Frowning your forehead, raising your eyebrows up. Fix the position for 20 seconds.
Raise the eyebrows up, fix the position for 20-30 seconds, then lower them.
Within 60 sec. Raise and lower your eyebrows 30-35 times.
Lips	Pull out the lips with a "tube" and try to create vibration with them.
Opening your mouth wide, try to smile, while exposing your teeth.
Take water in your mouth, rinse your gums. If you don't have liquid on hand, you can puff out your cheeks one at a time.
Language	Open your mouth wide, relax your tongue, fix the position for 10-15 seconds. Sharply roll the tongue "tube", fix the position for 10 seconds.
Lower the corners of the lips, slightly open your mouth and touch them with your tongue.
Without opening your lips, pull in your cheeks and “stroke” them with your tongue.

Experts recommend increasing the load gradually. Exercises intended for the main period are strictly prohibited to be performed during the base period.

Charger for the shoulder girdle

The study of shoulder zones should be started with a warm-up. The muscles must be pre-warmed up. The shoulders and neck are rubbed intensively, the person should feel an even warmth.

A set of exercises:

• Bring the shoulder blades together, slightly abducting the shoulders. Gently, slowly begin rotational movements forward, raise your shoulders up and fix the position for 10 seconds. Return to starting position. Perform up to 10 repetitions, maintaining an interval of 2-3 minutes.
• Straighten your shoulders. Raise them sharply, fix the position for 5-10 seconds, relax. Perform up to 5 repetitions.
• Sit on a chair so that your back is straight. Gently, slowly raise your arms up, trying to bring the shoulder blades together. Fix the position for 5-10 seconds. Gently lower your hands. Perform up to 6 repetitions.
• Place the right hand on the right shoulder, and the left hand on the left. Press lightly on the skin with your fingers. Turn the head smoothly first to the left, then to the right. There should be a slight tension in the shoulders and neck. Perform up to 5 repetitions.

The complex must be repeated every day for 30-35 days. If the expected effect is not achieved, then it is necessary to consult a doctor who will supplement the treatment.

Special mimic gymnastics

Before performing mimic exercises, muscle fibers must be warmed up. You can start with light stroking from bottom to top (from center to edge). The massage session lasts 3 minutes.

A set of mimic exercises:

• Relax your forehead, then frown sharply.
• Raise the right, then the left eyebrow first. Fix the position for 5-10 seconds. Raise both eyebrows at the same time.
• Wink with your left eye, and then alternately with your right.
• Perform rotational movements with the lips, nose, trying to use all the muscles of the face. Exercises are performed for 10-15 seconds.

At the final stage of training, you need to take a deep breath and release the air through closed teeth. It is recommended to do gymnastics 2-3 times a day. The session should last up to 15 minutes.

Physiotherapy exercises to restore the articulatory apparatus

Articulation exercises help to restore motor activity of the round muscle of the mouth.

The complex includes the following options:

• Open your mouth, with force to rest your tongue first on the left cheek, and then on the right.
• Open your mouth, slightly stick out your tongue, try to roll it up with a “tube” (the right side should touch the upper jaw, and the left side should touch the lower jaw).
• Open your mouth wide to perform several circular movements with the tongue, touching the surface of the teeth. Return to the starting position, close your lips and perform a similar movement.
• Roll up your tongue with a "tube", try to touch your chin or nose.

For patients with neuritis of the facial nerve, experts recommend pronouncing vowels and consonants every day, trying to tighten the muscles of the affected part of the face. It is necessary to perform exercises aimed at warming up muscles in front of a mirror several times a day.

According to reviews, patients with neuritis of the facial nerve recover faster if they reread small works aloud every day.

Tongue twisters have proven themselves well:

• the cuckoo bought the cuckoo a hood;
• the Greek rode across the river, sees the Greek - a crayfish in the river;
• seven at a time sat themselves in the sleigh;
• scales at the pike, bristle at the pig;
• forty mice walked and six found pennies, and the more common mice found two pennies each;
• the ground beetle buzzes, buzzes, but does not spin.

Exercises are performed up to 10 times a day, gradually increasing the number of repetitions to 30. The course of treatment is 30-45 days.

Exercises for the residual phase

Exercise for neuritis of the facial nerve is necessary to completely eliminate the symptoms. Experts recommend intensive training during the first 4 months after the onset of the disease. Usually the residual period lasts 3-4 months.

During this time, there is a partial or complete return of facial expressions in the affected areas of the face. The residual symptom can persist for 10 days. To speed up the healing processes, you can continue to perform gymnastics intended for the main period.

Experts recommend gradually increasing muscle activity on the affected parts of the face. Symmetry should be fully restored in 8-10 months. In addition to gymnastics, experts recommend not neglecting massage and various methods of physiotherapy (darsonvalization, UFO, UHF, ultrasound, electrophoresis, Minin's reflector).

How soon will the effects of exercise appear?

The effect of mimic gymnastics appears after 60-90 days of regular training. It must be remembered that the speed and degree of the formation of a positive result directly depends on the individual characteristics of the organism. According to reviews, in elderly patients, recovery occurs after 8-14 months.

Possible complications and ways to eliminate them

Subject to medical prescriptions and safety precautions at the time of performing mimic gymnastics, the risk of complications is minimal. Side effects, manifested in the form of intense pain in the damaged areas, can occur due to muscle overexertion.

Common complications include:

• dislocations, subluxations;
• stretching;
• muscle contracture.

If the dislocation is not serious, then it is usually treated with special exercises that restore mobility and improve blood circulation in the affected area.

Muscle contracture is treated with the following methods:

• Physiotherapy. The method is aimed at restoring muscle elasticity and tone. After a full course, patients note the restoration of the motor activity of the affected area. The most effective methods are vacuum therapy, applications with ozokerite or paraffin, electrophoresis.
• Mechanotherapy. The method involves the use of special devices (blocks, hinge-distraction complexes).

You can also do massage. It is important to work out the problem area pointwise, trying not to affect healthy areas.

Exercises that need to be performed by patients with neuritis of the facial nerve should be selected depending on the age of the patient and the stage of development of the disease. For a faster recovery, gymnastics is combined with massage, paraffin applications and physiotherapy procedures. Painful sensations that appear only during training are the reason for contacting a medical institution.

Video about gymnastics with neuritis of the facial nerve

Gymnastics for the face with paresis of the facial nerve: