A Comparative study on Soft Tissue Manipulation Versus Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Along with Electrical Stimulation to Improve Facial Muscle Strength in Bell’s Palsy

Background: Bell’s Palsy a condition characterized by sudden weakness in the muscles on one half of the face, which significantly impacting patients’ quality of life. Physiotherapeutic (or) rehabilitation strategies enhances recovery which includes soft tissue manipulation and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation combined with electrical stimulation. Aim: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of soft tissue manipulation versus proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation along with electrical stimulation in improving facial muscles, strength and functional outcomes in patients with bell’s palsy. Methods: Through a simple random sampling, 30 patients were included in the study, which are divides into 2 groups. One group received soft tissue manipulation along with electrical stimulation while the other received proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation along with electrical stimulation for a duration of four weeks assessments of facial muscle strength, range of motion and after treatment with sunny brook facial grading system and house brackmann grading scale. Results: Both treatment modalities resulted in significant improvements in facial muscle strength and range of motion. However, the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation with electrical stimulation group demonstrates statistically significant outcome with p-value <0.0001 in improving muscle strength and overall functional recovery compared to soft tissue manipulation group. Conclusion: Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation along with electrical stimulation is more effective in facilitation recovery in patients with bell’s palsy. These results support the use of therapeutic approaches in clinical practice and highlight the need for further research to refine the treatment protocols. Keywords: Bell’s palsy, electrical stimulation, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, soft tissue manipulation, sunny brook facial grading system, house brackmann grading scale.