a community of practitioners

Massage for Bell's Palsy

Hello All :)

So, I am a student, with hardly any anatomy knowledge yet, and my uncle was recently diagnosed with Bell's Palsy. He was told that massage would be a great benefit for him. Because my family knows what I am studying for, they have asked me if I would help my uncle. The thing is, as I said before, I haven't had much anatomy yet so I don't know all the muscles in the face or what each one does! I've looked up lots of things on the internet but I'm not so sure I should be the one to do this! I'm nervous and afraid because of my lack of knowledge in that area, I could do more damage than good.

My main question is, should I tell him to go to a professional instead?? Or if it's safe for me to try, what techniques could I use?

Thanks a bunch :)

-Priscilla

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Daniel Cohen on January 11, 2011 at 12:01pm

Bell's Palsy is damage to the facial nerve. Here is an illustration. http://s1.hubimg.com/u/736028_f496.jpg.

You can often tell where the inflammation or injury is by how much of the facial muscles are involved. As with other problems in the body, simply relaxing the muscles is beneficial. It is a paralysis so promoting blood flow helps the area involved.

Use what you know about relaxing facial tension and you will do fine.

It often goes away on its own or never resolves depending on the damage done. But any relaxation to the muscles you can induce I am sure will be appreciated and may help the condition.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Frank J on January 16, 2011 at 9:46am

Bell's Palsy is serious. I would suggest that he seeks someone who is knowlegdable in the subject. You shouldn't do any work in the area when the nerve is acting up. Massage is beneficial but you would have to be knowlegdeable in what you are doing. If you decided to help make sure you get as much education as possible