Physical Rehabilitation and Occupational Therapy

Abstract

Head and neck cancer and associated treatments can have debilitating effects on patient physical function and quality of life. The American Cancer Society's Head and Neck Cancer Survivorship Care Guidelines recommend that all patients receive an assessment after their treatment to address complications that may impact long-term recovery and function. Evidence supports the role of physical activity, exercise, physical therapy, and occupational therapy to decrease symptom burden after treatment and improve strength, endurance, and function. Physical therapy can play an important role in optimizing jaw, neck and shoulder function and occupational therapy can optimize return to work.

Keywords: Exercise; Head and neck cancer; Occupational therapy; Physical activity; Physical therapy; Rehabilitation.