Recovering From Head & Neck Cancer
After neck and head cancer treatment, your surgeon or physician will discuss cancer rehab therapy. The goal of therapy is pain management, muscle strengthening, improving range of motion, facilitating swallowing, and finding emotional support. At Westbury Total Health Care, we specialize in personalized plans for neck and throat cancer recovery and lymphedema management in Westbury, NY. Our experienced, compassionate physicians focus on developing personal relationships with patients in order to facilitate recovery and help them navigate life post-cancer. Take a look at the key elements of our recovery plans.
Pain Management
Physical therapy and muscle strengthening exercises offer natural pain management without the use of prescription medication.
Range of Motion
Our therapists will focus on increasing the range of motion in your neck through throat movement and therapeutic exercises and stretches.
Swallowing Rehabilitation
If all or part of your tongue is removed during surgery, you will need speech therapy and swallowing rehabilitation. We will focus on exercises that strengthen the muscles in your mouth and throat. We may also teach you new ways to swallow.
Hearing Therapy
Neck and head cancer treatment may affect your hearing. If this occurs, you may need to visit an audiologist and discuss assistive devices that will help you regain your hearing.
Olfactory Rehabilitation
You may lose your sense of smell due to head and neck cancer treatment, especially if you underwent radiation near your nose. Olfactory rehabilitation focuses on developing new strategies to improve nasal airflow. This will help you regain some sense of smell.
Nutritional Therapy
You may need nutritional therapy while in head, neck, and throat cancer recovery. If you’re having trouble swallowing and smelling, you may not eat, which can cause you to lose weight and experience nutritional deficiencies. We may recommend a licensed nutritionist, who can help you make better nutritional choices and find foods that are easier to swallow.
Physical & Occupational Therapy
A physical therapist will focus on muscle strengthening exercises for the neck, shoulder, and other key muscles that were affected by treatment and surgery. Range of motion exercises can improve muscle and nerve function. Physical therapists can also offer pain management for lymphedema, which is a buildup of lymph fluid. An occupational therapist can help you perform daily living activities like cleaning, bathing, cooking, and getting dressed.
Learn More About Neck & Throat Recovery in Westbury, NY
At Westbury Total Health Care, our physicians are board certified in physical medicine, cancer rehabilitation, lymphedema treatment, and pain management. We also have an experienced physical therapist and occupational therapist who can guide you through range of motion and muscle strengthening exercises that will improve your head, neck, and throat cancer recovery. Call us today to learn more, or to schedule an appointment.
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Neck Cancer
