Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

50 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

Bell’s palsy exercises . Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) exercises should always be done bilaterally. These exercises may help the client strengthen muscles on both sides of the face. PNF Exercise

• Ask client to purse lips • Assist/resist • Hold for 1–2 seconds

Orbicularis Oculi and Lower Lip Exercise • Place thumbs on side of lips • Ask client to purse lips • Assist/resist • Hold for 1–2 seconds Levator Labii Superioris Exercise • Place fingers at bottom of cheeks • Ask client to lift their upper lip and show their teeth • Assist/resist • Hold for 1–2 seconds What Is Tinnitus? Tinnitus is a sensation of noise (such as a ringing or roaring) that can only be heard by the affected person and is typically caused by a bodily condition, such as a disturbance of the auditory nerve or wax in the ear. 29 People with tinnitus experience the sound when there is no corresponding external source. Many people describe a ringing, but for some, tinnitus takes the form of a high-pitched whining, electric buzz, hissing, humming or whistling sound. A ticking, clicking, roaring cricket’s noise, or tree frogs or locusts have also been described.

• Assist weak side • Resist strong side

Frontalis Exercise • Place fingers above eyebrows • Ask client to raise eyebrows • Assist/resist • Hold for 1–2 seconds Corrugator Exercise • Place fingers above eyebrows • Ask client to frown • Assist/resist • Hold for 1–2 seconds

Orbicularis Oculi and Upper Eyelids Exercise • Place thumbs on side of eyeball • Ask client to close eyes tightly • Assist/resist • Hold for 1–2 seconds Orbicularis Oculi and Lower Eyelids Exercise • Place thumbs on side of eyeball • Ask client to close eyes tightly • Assist/resist • Hold for 1–2 seconds

Procerus Exercise • Place fingers on side of nose • Ask client to wrinkle their nose • Assist/resist • Hold for 1–2 seconds Risorius and Zygomaticus Exercise • Place fingers at cheekbones • Ask client to frown • Assist/resist • Hold for 1–2 seconds

Orbicularis Oris and Upper Lip Exercise • Place thumbs on side of lips

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