Efficacy of facial splint in improving facial symmetry in the management of bell’s palsy among community dwellers

Introduction The current conservative therapy techniques for Bell’s palsy focus on improving facial muscle circulation, reducing inflammation, and maintaining facial muscular characteristics, with little emphasis on the biomechanical element of the illness. Objective: to find out the efficacy of facial splint in improving facial symmetry in the management of Bell’s palsy among community dwellers. Method: An experimental research was undertaken at the physiotherapy department of Boss hospital in Coonoor, The Nilgiris. A total of 40 individuals with HBFNGS grade v Bells palsy were divided into two groups. The first group (n=20) received conventional treatment, whereas the second group (n=20) received conventional treatment with facial splinting. Over the course of three weeks, the therapy was administered for 18 days. Prior to and after the treatment program, the result was assessed by HBFNGS. Result: The experimental group exhibited a statistically significant improvement in facial symmetry after 18 days of facial splinting technique combined with conventional physiotherapy. Conclusion: Patients with Bell’s palsy who received a facial splinting technique in addition to conventional therapy had a statistically significant improvement in facial symmetry compared to the control group. As a result, face splinting, in conjunction with conventional physiotherapy, is beneficial in the management of Bell’s palsy.