Over 63,000 new patients are diagnosed with head and neck cancer each year in the US. Neck cancer can cause a wide range of painful symptoms – even after treatment. Thankfully, there are treatment options available to patients. In this physical therapy education article, we are going to discuss some of the common issues neck cancer can cause, and how a physical therapist can help treat these symptoms.
Neck Cancer
The median age of neck cancer patients is 61, and men are twice as likely to be diagnosed. That being said, neck cancer can impact anyone. Neck cancer is linked to tobacco and alcohol use, as well as HPV (and half the population has HPV)
Neck Cancer Symptoms & Issues
There are many symptoms related to neck cancer that patients often struggle with, such as:
- Face and neck lymphedema/swelling
- Neck and shoulder pain
- Decreased flexibility and range of motion in the neck
- Scar tissue adhesions and irradiated tissue tightness
- Forward shoulder and head posture
- TMJ / jaw pain
- General deconditioning and weakness
If you are experiencing any of these issues after neck cancer treatment, consider physical therapy. Working with a physical therapist can help address and effectively treat these issues with targeted exercises and other modalities.
Physical Therapy for Neck Cancer Patients
If you are suffering from or recovering from neck cancer, physical therapy can help. At OrthoRehab Specialists, we offer direct access to physical therapy for patients in the state of Minnesota. Our skilled physical therapists have decades of experience and work with more than 600 local providers who continue to refer their patients to us for rehabilitation care. We are one of the only physical therapy clinics in Minnesota to specialize in neck cancer rehabilitation. Contact our physical therapy clinics (located in Edina and Minneapolis) today to get started with your treatment.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
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