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The Facial-Flex® Protocol ____
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There
has typically been reported a major increase
in strength of overall oral and facial muscle
tone from this exercise regimen, demonstrated
over an 8-week period. Potential benefits
have shown up to a 250% increase in facial
muscle tone, and a 32% increase in facial
skin firming. It is similar to isometric/isokinetic
power lifting. Wear the device when you
catch yourself clenching and grinding as
a biofeedback reminder---”lips together,
teeth apart”. If there is muscle pain
or fatigue, go slowly and reduce the intensity
of force of elastics, or number of “reps”.
Starting with 30 or 40 repetitions, gradually
progress to 100 over a single exercise period
until fatigued.
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rest intervals, as with any muscle training
program. This device strengthens and tightens
the facial and lip muscles, and helps reduce
sagging of the lower face. The basic approach
is simple to remember: “two minutes,
twice a day”, like brushing your teeth!
Repetitions that are increased, up to 120
in a three-minute session twice a day, may
be the ultimate exercise regimen to reinforce
muscle tone of the face, chin, and neck.
Use the Facial-Flex®
for approximately two minutes at a time
twice a day, with the last session before
bedtime. Night clenching can be reduced
with strengthening of the jaw musculature.
The device is not designed to replace custom
formed/fabricated night guards/splints.
It is recommended to help balance and strengthen
jaw and oral/neck muscles by tonic contractions
followed by relaxation. At each use, position
the device with the cups at the corners
of the mouth. Bring the lips over the teeth
(do not purse lips, but flatten them). Contract
them for two seconds to engage increased
force of the elastic, then relax; repeat
for the full two minutes. Stronger elastics
can progressively be used, starting with
6 oz. (if lip strength is weak or facial
muscles quiver and fatigue easily), then
8 oz. (standard), and 14 oz. Replace elastic
once a week, as they loose their elasticity.
Replacements can be ordered separately.
Position the head,
stretching slightly forward as the lip and
anterior neck muscles (platysma) contract,
then relax with head back into a neutral
posture. Stop the exercise if fatigue or
head/neck/TMJ pain develops, rest the tissues,
and apply deep muscle massage. The use of
a skin moisturizer is recommended prior
to exercise. Application primarily at night
is said to be more effective for skin absorption,
healing/collagen repair, as there is less
orofacial/lip and jaw muscle motor activity.
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