Rehabilitation of head and neck cancer survivors may be complicated and involve interventions for speech, swallowing, breathing, pain, fatigue, cervical and shoulder dysfunction.

Speech therapy can help with:

• Trismus, a tonic contracture of the muscles of mastication that can occur after surgery or radiation
• Swallowing deficits
• Speech deficits
• Nutritional needs including weaning from tube feedings as appropriate
• Quality of life
• Pain management

What to Expect From Therapy for Head and Neck Cancers

Therapy may include:

• Oral motor exercises to strengthen and improve your ability to swallow safely
• Neck and shoulder range-of-motion exercises to improve pain and flexibility, and reduce scar tissue
• Patient education on compensatory strategies for swallowing
• Patient education on treatment for trismus including use of TheraBite® as indicated
• Nutritional counseling and diet upgrades based on swallowing assessments
• Referral to PT/OT if lymphedema is suspected

Office Locations

• Annapolis
• Crofton
• Jennifer Square