The effect of massage technique on patients with peripheral facial palsy

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to investigate the effectiveness of massage technique on patients with peripheral facial palsy. Reasons of the paralysis are unknown. The symptoms cause weakness of facial muscles involved in expressions, loss of taste, increase hearing sensitivity, headache, tearing and drooling. In this study twenty patients were equally divided in control and target group. Sunnybrook facial grading system was utilized to assess facial nerve functions. The interventional group received electrotherapy, active exercises and lymph drainage massage; the control one was treated only with physical therapy as well as dynamic exercises. The reported results showed a better improvement of the target group, highlighting the beneficial effect of the massage.