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Could Early Physical Therapy For Bell’s Palsy Improve Long-Term Results?

At the Facial Paralysis Institute in Los Angeles, world-renowned facial paralysis surgeon Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS, strives to stay on the cutting-edge of all new techniques and methods researched for the improvement of facial paralysis and Bell’s palsy treatments. In this blog, Dr. Azizzadeh takes a few moments to let his patients know about a new study surrounding Bell’s palsy, and how earlier physical therapy programs could help facial function return sooner.

The Study

A new study put forth in the April 2013 edition of Neuroehabil Neural Repair, researchers examined the outcomes of a randomized, controlled group of individuals who were suffering from Bell’s palsy and treated with early physical therapy plans.  The study found that when Bell’s palsy is diagnosed early and treated with a combination of medicine and physical therapy, patients did in fact recover quicker than those who did not receive early-set physical therapy treatments. However, it was noted that patients who were experiencing very severe cases of Bell’s palsy appreciated the best and quickest improvements with early physical therapy, while patients with mild facial paralysis didn’t see as drastic of an improvement.

Treating Bell’s Palsy in Los Angeles

At the Facial Paralysis Institute in Beverly Hills, Dr. Azizzadeh helps patients overcome Bell’s palsy through a number of non-invasive and surgical procedures that can be completely tailored to meet their unique needs. Whenever a patient develops Bell’s palsy, Dr. Azizzadeh always finds treatment with physical therapy helpful, and has his team of experts work with each patient to improve optimal facial function without taking the surgical route first and foremost.

In the rare instance that Bell’s palsy does cause permanent or long term facial paralysis for a patient, Dr. Azizzadeh has found that procedures including the gracilis free flap surgery and the masseter to facial nerve transfer often bring the best and most optimal results. Both procedures involve introducing a new nerve to the facial nerve, which when surgically sutured together, can provide improved neural input to bring excellent facial reanimation and symmetry.

Schedule Your Consultation At The Facial Paralysis Institute Today

If you or a loved one is dealing with the affects of Bell’s palsy and have yet to find a treatment that works for you, we encourage you to contact our medical center today to schedule your initial consultation with world-renowned facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS. Dr. Azizzadeh has a unique understanding and training in performing facial paralysis surgeries and non-invasive treatments for individuals of all ages, races, and genders.

For more information about how Bell’s palsy can be improved with physical therapy, or if you have any additional questions, please contact the Facial Paralysis Institute by calling (310) 657-2203.