The Injury Hub

Bells Palsy: Info, Symptoms & Treatment.

Our Chartered Physiotherapists across Ireland are experts in the causes, symptoms and treatment of Bells Palsy.

The Injury Hub: Bells Palsy

What is Bells Palsy?

Bell’s Palsy is, in most cases, a temporary disorder that affects the nerves and muscles on one side of the face. It occurs when the nerve that controls the facial muscles is swollen, inflamed or compressed. This disorder, which is not related to stroke, is the most common cause of facial paralysis.

However, while there may be no link between Bell’s Palsy and stroke, any sudden weakness that occurs on one side of the face should be checked by a doctor immediately.

Woman with facial palsy with hand on her face

How We Can Help.

Symptoms, Treatment & How We Can Help Your Recovery.

Learn about common Bells Palsy symptoms, effective treatments, and how our expert team supports your recovery journey every step of the way.

Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy can differ from person to person and range from mild to severe. Facial paralysis is the main symptom but due to the complex function of the facial nerve others may be present.

Facial weakness can affect the ability to eat and drink, and the formation of normal facial expressions may be difficult. If the face is mostly or fully paralysed, there may be difficulty closing one eye, which can leave the eye vulnerable and exposed particularly during sleep. Some sufferers may also experience episodes of drooling from the side of the mouth.

Bell’s Palsy may also be accompanied by a sensitivity to sound on the affected side. Some people experience headache and in particular may experience pain in the head just behind the ear. This is often the first symptom of an incipient Bell’s Palsy.

 

Physiotherapy can be helpful to stimulate the facial nerve, help maintain muscle tone, strengthen the facial muscles to avoid wastage and in resensitisation of the affected nerves. Facial massage and exercises may help with this. Acupuncture is another method used by our Physiotherapists to treat symptoms such as muscle weakness.

Acupuncture is a safe, drug free, painless intervention in which very fine needles are inserted at particular acupuncture points on the body to relieve the symptoms of various physical and psychological conditions, particularly for both acute injuries and chronic conditions resilient to other treatments.

We have Physiotherapists who specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of Bell’s Palsy. They will provide expert treatment to strengthen facial muscles and resolve muscular balance. Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy can vary from person to person, ranging in severity from mild weakness to total paralysis. Our Chartered Physiotherapists will provide evidence based treatments tailored to your individual needs.

All of our Chartered Physiotherapists are fully qualified and insured, with vast clinical experience in the treatment of Bell’s Palsy, so you can be sure you’re in safe hands.

Our patient’s health journeys

CMM Coate
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Very good attention from Igor. He was professional and friendly and took the time to answer questions. I would certainly revisit Thank you.
Alice O
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The best deep tissue massage by Marcelo! Would definitely go again.
Linda C
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A very plesant and efficient physiotherapy service.
Kevin M
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Had a very positive experience. Had severe back pain and Dylan was able to see me at short notice. He was very thorough and clear in assessing and explaining my condition and structuring a recovery exercise program that worked very succesfully. I am now fully recovered and looking forward to being as active as I was before my injury.
Sonia F
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Really happy with the two appointments I had with Dylan Connelly to treat my calf strain. His approach was both professional and personable and he ensured that I was completely comfortable during all phases of the appointments. He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Amy B
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I met with Lisa on three occasions in relation to my hamstring and she was absolutely amazing! So easy to chat to and super informative. You need to book at least a week or two in advance to get a spot with her and it's no surprise. She's absolutely fantastic! He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lisa O
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I went to Olga for 4 or 5 weeks before the marathon this year for hip pain. I was contemplating not running as my long run training had become so painful on the hip. Olga treated with dry needling and massage and over 2 sessions, I saw a big difference. I continued a weekly session to keep me loose and followed her exercise plan. I completed the marathon with no hip issues and felt like my recovery after was a lot faster than previous years.
Margaret C
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Myself and my mother attended Craig for 3 sessions - he is expert at what he does, so understanding, gentle and kind. Great personality and a really skilled physio. Would recommend him absolutly without reservation.He explained and demonstrated the exercises in 'lay' terms and ensured that I understood and was happy with the approach and expected outcomes. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Patrick M
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I had a painful trapped nerve in my neck which caused pain together with pins and needles running into my arm and hand. I attended Mohammed twice over a period of two weeks. It completely resolved after second appointment. Mohammed is an expert professional at what he does. I would highly recommend his services. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
Lauren T
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I can only recommend Dr. Muhammed Sohail. I’ve been to many physio consultants and he’s been the very best so far: dry needling has improved my IT band issues so much over two sessions including my knee pain. I would definitely recommend Dylan for any physio needs.
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Please refer to our individual clinic location pages for pricing information.

Monday – Friday: 8am to 8pm

Saturday: 9am to 5pm

Sunday: Closed

*Please note, opening times can vary between clinics

This service is available in any of our nationwide clinics.

We work with all major insurers – Vhi, Laya and Irish Life. We recommend you check your own policy for its terms and conditions to see what cover you have.

Our Patient Services team is available to help you Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm.

Call Us: 01 611 1740

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