Application of myofascial induction therapy in the rehabilitation of patients with acute facial palsy: A nonrandomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

In the healthy body, the fascial system maintains elasticity and coordination of movements. If these functions are destroyed, facial paraly appears. Myofascial induction therapy (MIT), a manual physical therapy method that focuses on restoring altered fascial tissue, is prevalently and widely used in clinical treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to observe the application of MIT in the rehabilitation of patients with acute facial palsy.

METHODS

Sixty-eight patients with acute facial palsy were divided into control group and manual treatment group. The control group received drug treatments, such as prednisone, methylcobalamin, and vitamin B1, and instrumental physical therapy, such as semiconductor laser, shortwave therapy, and facial muscle training. In addition to these treatments, the manual treatment group received MIT. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The patients were assessed using the following methods: the House-Brackmann facial nerve function evaluation, Sunnybrook facial grading system, facial nerve electrophysiological examination compound muscle action potential (CMAP) amplitude, and blink reflex (BR) R1 latency.

RESULTS

House-Brackmann and Sunnybrook scores and CMAP amplitude and BRR1 latencies were significantly different between the two groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the manual treatment group showed greater improvement than the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with MIT promoted better recovery of acute facial palsy and thus may be considered a valid rehabilitation intervention that is worthy of clinical application.