Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

48 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

Comparison Between Symptoms of Bell’s Palsy and Stroke

Bell’s palsy symptoms can mimic stroke symptoms. However, there are a few symptoms that are unique to Bell’s palsy. The most common symptoms in both are outlined here..

Symptom

Bell’s Palsy

Stroke

Unilateral facial paralysis or droop

Likely

Possible

Speech difficulty

Likely

Possible

Inability to furrow brow

Likely

Not likely

Loss of nasolabial crease

Likely

Not likely

Ability to close eye of affected side

Possible

Not likely

Ear or TMJ-area pain

Possible

Not likely

Arm drift

Not likely

Possible

Paralysis of other limbs

Not likely

Possible

Unequal pupils

Not likely

Possible

Considerations, Contraindications and Exercises for Bell’s Palsy Massage Always be sure your client has been cleared for massage by their primary care provider. For those clients with Bell’s palsy who have been cleared for massage, keep the following in mind: • No deep, lengthening or dragging techniques to the flaccid side of the face. • Do not work from the midline toward the flaccid side of the face. • No extreme temperatures with hydrotherapy. • Pay attention for excessive eye dryness since the eye on the affected side will not blink as usual. • Do not place client prone because of the pressure it places on the flaccid muscles.

• Difficulty drinking and eating • Trouble closing the eye on affected side of the face • Headaches • Hypersensitivity to sound • Drooling • Loss of taste Massage helps Bell’s palsy sufferers to maintain flexibility and good circulation to the affected muscles, though massage therapists should rule out causes of the nerve damage that may contraindicate massage before each session. One serious complication to consider is corneal ulcers that result from a person with Bell’s palsy not being able to blink.

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