Physiotherapy

Neck exercises: 

The doctor may recommend performing the neck exercises 2-3 times every day. The patient is advised to perform each exercise for at least five minutes.

• Neck rotation: 

The patient should lie on their back with a pillow supporting the head. They should move their necks sideways until a maximum stretch is felt on the opposite side. Stop at this position for 2-3 seconds. Then move the neck to the other side to repeat the process. 

• Neck side flexions: 

In this exercise, the patient is advised to lie on their back and tilt their head on one side of the shoulder in such a way that the ears are near the shoulder. Wait 2-3 seconds in the same position, and then move the neck back to the normal position. The patient then moves the neck to the other side to repeat the exercise. The patient may also use their hands to maximally stretch the neck. 

• Neck extension: 

During this exercise, the patient should sit straight and move their head backwards. The patient shall remain in this position for 2–3 seconds and then move their head back to normal. Then the patient bends their head forward so that their chin approaches the chest. 

Shoulder exercises: 

Some of the exercises to improve the motion of shoulders are:

• Shoulder circling: 

In this exercise, the patient moves their shoulders in a circular motion, i.e., moving their shoulders up, backwards. 

• Squeezing the shoulder blade: 

During this exercise, the patient sits straight and extends their hands to the sides. The patient then squeezes the shoulder blades together and waits in the same position for about 5–6 seconds. The patient then relaxes and repeats the exercise. 

• Lifting of arms: 

The patient lies on their back with a pillow supporting the head. Then, they stretch their hands above the head with a straight elbow. The patient should keep their shoulders in the same position for a few seconds and then relax. 

• Shoulder rolls and shrugs: 

In this exercise, the patient sits upright. Then, they move their shoulders above their ears. The patient must hold the same position for 2–3 seconds, and then relax. 

Chest physiotherapy also plays a major role in post operated cancer patients. It helps to remove mucus from the lungs and improve breathing pattern.

To perform chest PT, percuss or clap over the back of thorax (cover lungs area) on both sides and guide the patient to cough and  remove mucus forcefully.

Trismus or reduced mouth opening is the most commonly occurring complication after head and neck cancer surgery. 

• open the mouth and move the chin to the left, right and forward, holding each action for 5 sec. then, open the mouth as wide as possible to improve mouth opening.

• open your mouth with the help of jaw stretcher key until you feel a gentle stretch but no pain. hold this stretch for 30 sec, then relax, repeat this procedure for 5 repetition for 5 times in a day.