Cancer Post-Surgical Care - Hobson Institute

Cancer Post -Surgical Care

Head and Neck Cancer Treatment

Rehabilitation for head and neck cancer survivors is complex due to various functional challenges after treatment. Discover how the skilled craniofacial therapists at Hobson Institute support cancer patients.

Types of post-surgical cancer conditions, we treat:

Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery
Tongue and Throat Cancer Surgery
Esophageal Cancer Surgery
Esophageal Reconstruction Surgery
Brain Tumor Surgery
Cranial Base Surgery

What Are the Most Common Limitations After Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer?

Difficulty opening the mouth, known as trismus
Difficulty eating and swallowing
Hyperventilation with rapid chest, neck, or mouth breathing instead of nose and diaphragm
Stiffness of the neck or loss of neck range of motion due to surgery and radiation fibrosis
Shoulder weakness after neck dissection and surgical procedures
Tongue weakness and low tongue posture, affecting head and neck alignment, airway space, breathing, chewing, swallowing and overall posture
Increased swelling post-surgery or due to lymphedema
Pain in the head and neck region
Headaches

Treatments and Interventions Offered by Hobson Institute For Optimal Functional Outcomes After Head and Neck Cancer Treatment:

Re-education of facial mastication and tongue muscle, known as Myofunctional Therapy and uplocker oral posture training.
Neck and shoulder range-of-motion exercises to improve pain, function, strength, flexibility and reduce scar tissue
Hands-on manual therapy to soften soft tissues and free up the connective tissues and fascia networks
Treatment for trismus, including use of manual therapy to improve jaw opening and joint mechanics
The use of assistive mouth opening devices, such TheraBite® or Dynasplint® as needed for home management
Breathing training with postural re-education and specific airway and throat exercises
Postural education and biomechanics training to improve optimal head-on-neck position and restoration of the natural curves of the spine
Patient education to help you learn how to manage and address some of the post-surgical restrictions and limitations
Pain management
Lymphedema decongestive therapy, including manual lymphatic drainage, compression, and exercises for the lymphatic system

Testimonial

“The Hobson Institute really helped me function better after my throat cancer treatment. I was unable to swallow and had difficulty chewing and opening my mouth. The treatment at the HobsonInstitute really helped me restore an opening in my mouth that allowed me to get food in my mouth as the radiation caused limited mouth opening. I don’t know what I do without the help of the Craniofacial Therapists at the Hobson Institute. I am able to open my mouth better, chew and swallow more efficiently. I highly recommend coming to the Hobson Institute if you had any head and neck cancer treatment, or in the midst of it as this office really knows how to help you function better.”

Patient: Carla S.

Craniofacial Pre & Post-Surgical Care Resources

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