The use of mime therapy as a rehabilitation method for patients with facial nerve paresis

Abstract

Since 1980, patients with sequelae of peripheral facial nerve paresis have been treated with mime therapy at the physiotherapy department of the University Medical Centre in Nijmegen, which aims to rehabilitate facial expression. Mime therapy was developed by Jan Bronk (a mime actor) and Pieter Devriese (an otolaryngologist) in the 1970s, using the principles of mime for patients suffering from either lack of facial movement or uncontrolled movements. Both therapists and patients reported benefits of mime therapy; most importantly, an improved symmetry of the face. There is a belief within the profession that evidence-based treatment is required to scientifically substantiate physiotherapy. A detailed description of the mime therapy treatment is essential for performing a randomized controlled trial, which is currently underway. This article aims to comprehensively describe the historical development and clinical characteristics of mime therapy and to give insight into its usefulness as a tool in the treatment of patients with facial nerve paresis.