The pulsing ache in a tiny spot is what my PT called a "trigger point." The ache is the nerve waking up. As the nerve increases function you will feel less of an ache and hopefully movement will not be far behind.
So you know, there are physical therapists that help with facial paralysis, but this fact is not widely known. Even the nurse for my otolaryngologist and surgeon didn't know that there were physical therapists for this - she once told me the only thing that would help is facial reanimation surgery, which, no. Unfortunately, most physical therapy centers do not do this kind of therapy. If you look specifically for a vestibular therapy center, they will be able to either treat facial paralysis or help you find someone who does. I saw you are approximately one month out, which may be too soon to try facial therapy, but I started around 6-8 weeks post surgery. I really hope you will see facial function return sooner than I did, but if you don't see anything for a while there's no reason to give up. I'm a year and a half out and I'm still seeing increased movement from month to month.
As an aside, I really identified with your writing about being out in public for the first time. I went to a library on my first outing and got really tired and dizzy after only 20 minutes. I had more facial drooping than you seem to, but I was helped by cutting my hair into bangs (or fringe) and wearing large sunglasses outside so that my face looked less unusual to casual passers-by. My surgeon recommends men grow beards for the same reason.
