About the Procedure
Facial physical therapy, sometimes called facial neuromuscular retraining, is a specialized, nonsurgical program designed for people recovering from facial paralysis or living with abnormal facial movement. It uses targeted exercises, guided practice, and feedback to help retrain the connection between the brain and the facial muscles.
It is often used during recovery from Bell's palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, facial nerve surgery, or nerve transfers, and to manage synkinesis, the involuntary linked movements that can develop as the nerve regrows. The aim is to improve symmetry, coordination, and comfort, and to reduce unwanted movement.
At Norelle Health, facial physical therapy is tailored to each person's pattern of weakness or overactivity. It may be used on its own or alongside procedures and injectable treatments as part of a broader facial rehabilitation plan.
Who may be a candidate
It may help people who:
- Are recovering from Bell's palsy or Ramsay Hunt syndrome
- Have had facial nerve repair or a nerve transfer
- Experience synkinesis or facial tightness
- Have asymmetry with some preserved movement
It requires some nerve input to the muscles and is not a replacement for surgery when the muscle or nerve is no longer functional.
Considering facial physical therapy? The next step is a quiet, unhurried conversation.
How it works
A therapist trained in facial retraining evaluates your specific pattern of weakness or overactivity and designs an individualized program. Sessions may use a mirror, video, or other feedback to guide slow, controlled movements.
Home practice is a central part of the program. The exercises focus on relearning coordinated, symmetric movement rather than forceful effort.
What to expect
Therapy involves periodic visits and daily home exercises over weeks to months. Your program is adjusted as your movement changes.
Facial physical therapy is often combined with other treatments, such as Botox for synkinesis, to support balanced movement.
Limitations and alternatives
Facial physical therapy cannot restore movement when the nerve or muscle is no longer functional, and results depend on the underlying condition and consistent practice.
When therapy alone is not enough, options such as injectable treatments, eyelid procedures, nerve transfers, or muscle transfer may be considered, depending on the situation.
Results and follow-up
The goal is improved symmetry, better control of movement, reduced synkinesis, and greater comfort. Progress is gradual and varies between individuals.
Follow-up allows the program to be refined and coordinated with any surgical or injectable treatments.
Clinical references
Medical review
This page is a patient-education resource reviewed by the responsible Norelle Health clinician before publication. It does not replace an in-person evaluation. If symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening, seek immediate medical care.
Specialists who perform facial physical therapy
Dr. Rakhna Araslanova
MD, FRCSC, FACS
Fellowship-Trained Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon — Facial Paralysis and Reanimation
Dr. Rakhna Araslanova is a fellowship-trained facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon who leads facial paralysis and reanimation at Norelle Health, with additional expertise in craniofacial reconstruction and aesthetic facial plastic surgery.
- Facial paralysis rehabilitation and surgical reanimation
- Craniofacial reconstruction
- Aesthetic facial plastic surgery
- Rhinoplasty
Also caring for this area
Not sure who to see? Our patient coordination team can help match you with the right specialist.
(212) 444-8006Frequently Asked Questions
It is a nonsurgical, exercise-based program, also called facial neuromuscular retraining, that helps people with facial paralysis or synkinesis improve movement, symmetry, and control.
It may help people recovering from Bell's palsy, Ramsay Hunt syndrome, or facial nerve surgery, and those with synkinesis or facial tightness, as long as some nerve input to the muscles is present.
No. It emphasizes slow, precise, coordinated movement guided by a trained therapist, rather than forceful or repetitive exercise, which can worsen synkinesis.
Progress is gradual and develops over weeks to months. Consistent home practice is an important part of improvement.
It supports recovery and improves control and symmetry, but it cannot restore movement when the nerve or muscle is no longer functional. In those cases, surgical options may be considered.
Yes. It is often combined with treatments such as Botox for synkinesis, or used alongside facial nerve surgery, as part of a broader rehabilitation plan.
Facial physical therapy itself is noninvasive and involves guided exercises. It can, however, be coordinated with injectable treatments or procedures when appropriate.
Related Conditions
Related Procedures
1 of 2 · Botox for Facial Paralysis
Request a consultation about facial physical therapy
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