SC-007. Post-operative physical therapy in oral cancer patients

Surgical treatment combined with radiotherapy for oral cancer may have considerable negative side effects on the locomotor system. In the oral region a restricted mouth opening (trismus) may be present at the time of diagnosis, but it may also occur after surgery and/or radiotherapy. After neck-dissection shoulder problems (pain, loss of muscle strength and a reduced range of motion) may occur if the N XI is sacrificed or damaged during surgery. In addition, radiotherapy may induce fibrosis, reducing elasticity of tissues and thereby reducing range of motion of the joints in the radiated area. These side effects persist after cancer treatment and have a negative effects on the quality of life. Post-operative physical therapy is aimed at preventing or reducing these negative side effects by means of exercise programs and exercise devices. The "Therabite" seems to be an effective device in increasing mouth opening in short term. To prevent shoulder pain instructions about load reduction of the shoulder are of importance. Additionally, selective training of shoulder muscles may reduce functional limitations in ADL. However, most post-operative physical therapy programs, aimed at the side effects mentioned, are based on common sense, clinical expertise, and cases reports. Research is needed to establish the effects of currently used exercise programs and exercise devices.