Bell’s Palsy Treatment Options in Scottsdale

Bell’s palsy is an acute peripheral facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) neuropathy that causes sudden, unilateral facial weakness or paralysis. Patients are commonly diagnosed in urgent care, the emergency department, or primary care after stroke has been ruled out.

Standard medical treatment often includes corticosteroids and, in some cases, antiviral medication. Many patients are then advised to wait for recovery, which can take weeks to months. During this time, patients frequently search for additional treatment options for Bell’s palsy to support facial nerve recovery.

At Scottsdale Family Acupuncture, we provide adjunctive acupuncture care for Bell’s palsy alongside standard medical treatment.

When Patients Seek Acupuncture for Bell’s Palsy

Patients often find our clinic after being told:

• Imaging is normal

• Medications have already been prescribed

• There is no additional medical intervention beyond time

• Recovery may be incomplete or prolonged

Common concerns include:

• Facial drooping or asymmetry

• Difficulty closing the eye

• Slurred speech or facial fatigue

• Slow or incomplete recovery after initial treatment

Acupuncture is commonly pursued early or during the subacute phase when patients want to be proactive about facial nerve function.

How Acupuncture Is Used as Adjunct Care for Bell’s Palsy

Acupuncture for Bell’s palsy is used in addition to medical care, not as a replacement. Care is focused on supporting:

• Facial nerve signaling and neuromuscular activation

• Local circulation around the facial nerve pathway

• Inflammatory modulation during the acute phase

• Functional recovery as facial movement returns

Patients continue all prescribed medications and medical follow-up. Care is conservative and coordinated within appropriate clinical boundaries.

Timing of Care

Patients are most commonly seen:

• Within the first few days after diagnosis, or

• During the subacute recovery phase if facial weakness persists

Early supportive care is often sought by patients concerned about recovery trajectory and long-term facial function.

Safety and Scope

• Acupuncture is provided adjunctively

• Medical treatment is not delayed or replaced

• Patients are screened to confirm Bell’s palsy presentation

• Patients are referred back for medical evaluation if symptoms progress, central signs appear, or recovery is atypical

This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment.

Bell’s Palsy Acupuncture in Scottsdale and Phoenix

Scottsdale Family Acupuncture focuses on neurological and inflammatory conditions, including facial nerve dysfunction and post-viral neuropathies.

We regularly work with patients who have been diagnosed with Bell’s palsy and are seeking adjunctive care in the Scottsdale and greater Phoenix area.

Same-day or next-day availability may be available for acute facial paralysis cases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does acupuncture replace steroids for Bell’s palsy?

No. Acupuncture is used alongside prescribed medical treatment and does not replace corticosteroids or antiviral medications.

When is acupuncture started for Bell’s palsy?

Some patients seek care within the first 24–72 hours after diagnosis, while others begin during the subacute recovery phase if symptoms persist.

Is acupuncture appropriate if imaging was normal?

Yes. Bell’s palsy is typically diagnosed clinically after other causes are ruled out. Many patients with normal imaging still pursue adjunctive care for recovery support.