Cancer can have greater impact in the lives of people. Head and neck cancers are a group of malignancies affecting the throat, larynx, mouth, and other areas. While there are advancements in treatment that assures improved outcomes, the journey for patients often is difficult. Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, are crucial for defeating the disease, but it can leave a lasting impact on the head and neck functionality. Check yourself with a cancer specialist in Siliguri who can proficiently guide you through your cancer treatments and the thing that you should do post-surgery.
Physiotherapy steps in as a critical pillar for head and neck cancer. It's a specialized area of physical therapy focused on addressing specific challenges faced by patients after treatment. Many patients experience physical challenges that can impact their daily lives after the surgery. A physiotherapist with an expertise in head and neck oncology will understand the requirements of the patients and the side effects as well as limitations that can arise. Physiotherapy tailors a personalized treatment plan to empower patients to regain their function, improve their quality of life, and return to their daily activities with greater confidence and strength.
Physiotherapist’s Role In The Treatment Of Head & Neck Cancer Patients
Cancer diagnosis is overwhelming news to hear. It becomes overwhelming again post treatments when the side effects begin to show. There are several side effects caused by Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy and Surgery. Even if you have been treated by the best Oncologist in Siliguri, the side effects still persists.
- Side effects caused by Surgery: Head and neck surgery can cause injury to the accessory nervewhich results in the numbness, problems swallowing, pain around the neck and mouth.
- Side effects caused by Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy causes side effects for head and neck cancer patients such as, dry mouth, reduced jaw movement and neck movement and burning sensation.
- Lymphoedema: Lymphoedema is a common side effect seen in patients treated with head and neck cancer. It causes trouble breathing, trouble with speech, swallowing and chewing.
Physiotherapist plays an important role in post-surgery treatments to help the patients with their daily motor functions. The major role of a physiotherapist is to manage the physiological limitations.
Step 1- The major step to start physiotherapy is exercise and prevention of cancer. Reducing obesity can have a major impact on prevention.
Step 2- Restoration of Physical Function and providing independence to the patient is another main role of a physiotherapist. Physiotherapists become your partner in crafting a personalized exercise plan. This plan tackles your specific needs, whether it's building strength, increasing flexibility, or improving balance. Through gradual increase in strength and stamina, you become independent in your daily routines.
Step 3- Chemo and radiation can leave you with pain, swelling, and stiffness. But physiotherapy can help. Therapists use techniques of manual therapy, targeted exercises, and hot& cold therapy and effectively manage these symptoms. Special techniques can also help reduce lymphedema, a common side effect, by improving circulation and reducing swelling. Gentle exercises and stretches become pain management tools, helping you in comfortable movements.
Step 4- Physiotherapy also takes care of the emotional needs of the patients. Regular exercises release enzymes such as endorphin which improve the mood of the patient and reduce anxiety.
Step 5- Physiotherapist is a key player in helping cancer survivors thrive in the long term. By focusing on strength, flexibility, and heart health, physiotherapists helps survivors stay active, prevent decline, and lower risks of future health problems. Therapists also provide guidance on healthy living, including exercise routines and self-care strategies.
If you are someone diagnosed with head and neck cancer, just search for cancer specialist in Siliguri and get on with your treatments. There will be complications or side effects which can be managed through physiotherapy.
It is crucial to raise an awareness regarding the physical side effects that concerns head and neck cancer treatment and the ways one can manage them. The primary treatments for head and neck cancer include Surgery, Chemotherapy and Radiation therapy which can treat your cancer but leave you with some long-term side-effects. Head and neck surgery can cause injury to the accessory nervethat helps with lifting the arm restraining the muscle and head movements.
