Module 6 · Special training
- by arrangement with the practice
- from week 3
- instead of module 2
In the pull exercise in varying directions, you pull to the side, to the right, to the left or diagonally. Your practice decides which directions you train.
It is used, for example, for paralysis in the face, lips and tongue and for centring the lower jaw when swallowing. In the case of one-sided facial paralysis, you pull towards the healthy side.
This is what the pull exercise in varying directions looks like
Before you start
- Insert the FaceFormerThe membrane sits behind the lips and in front of the teeth, and the lip wedge points horizontally outwards.
- Tip of the tongue in its placeOn the small ridge on the palate, a few millimetres behind the upper incisors. It does not touch the teeth.
- Straighten your headNeck lengthened, gaze straight ahead. The lower jaw stays in its usual position.
- Breathe through the noseThroughout the whole exercise; the mouth stays closed around the lip wedge.
In detail with animations: Basics and starting position
Step by step
Press and pull
Press the lip wedge firmly together with your lips for 6 seconds while pulling it with your thumb and index finger to the side, to the right, to the left or diagonally.
Pull in the direction your practice has agreed with you.
Bite and swallow
Hold the tension and the pull. Briefly bite down once on your back teeth and swallow once.
The tongue tip stays in its place on the palate.
Relax
Release the pressure. The lips enclose the lip wedge without force, and the teeth do not touch.
Stay relaxed for 2 to 6 seconds, depending on your training level. Then the next repetition begins.
Your training plan
3× daily
3× daily
3× daily
From week 3, the pull exercise in varying directions is added to the basic exercise, in place of the forward pull exercise.
Points to note
- Only pull as hard as your lips can hold the FaceFormer without difficulty. The pull may increase a little over time.
- The elbow of the pulling arm stays close to the body and the shoulders stay relaxed. Alternate between your right and left hand.
- The head stays upright and does not move when swallowing.
- Breathe through your nose the whole time.
If it is still difficult
The FaceFormer slips out of my mouth when pulling
Then you are pulling harder than your lips can currently hold. Pull more gently. Over time the pull may increase.
My teeth feel pressure
When pulling, the membrane attaches evenly to the rows of teeth by negative pressure. The forces are far below those that occur when chewing. Protruding teeth feel the pressure somewhat more.
My arm gets tired
Alternate between your right and left hand and keep your elbow close to your body. This keeps your shoulder relaxed.
Knowledge on this topic
Detailed articles on complaints in which this exercise plays a role.
Questions about the training?
Continue training
- Fundamentals
- 1 Basic exercise
- 2 Pull exercise
- 3 At night
- 4 Pull upwards
- 5 Pull downwards
- 6 Varying directions
- 7 Breathing exercise
- 8 Head balance rotation
- 9 Head balance with breathing
- 10 Pelvic floor
- 11 AirFlip
It guides you through the basic exercises, counts along, reminds you of your sessions and records your progress. Free of charge.
App StoreGoogle PlayFaceFormer training aims to readjust the basic functions of breathing, swallowing and head balance physiologically, with mouth closure and the tongue reference position, thereby creating the conditions for complaints to improve. It does not replace a medical assessment. You can also train on your own with the app and these pages. If you are not making progress, if complaints need to be investigated or if you would like support, you will find practices in the practitioner directory. If you feel pain, stop the training.
