Manual Therapy on Oral Opening, Swallow Function and Upper Quarter Mobility on Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Launched by UNIVERSIDAD DE LA FRONTERA · Nov 17, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of Manual Therapy on oral health and shoulder mobility in survivors of head and neck cancer. Many patients experience trismus, which is a condition that makes it hard to open the mouth, often due to previous treatments like radiation. The goal of the trial is to see if Manual Therapy can improve not only how well patients can move their mouths, but also their shoulder strength, pain levels, and overall quality of life.

To participate, individuals need to have completed their treatment for head and neck cancer and have trismus, which means they can only open their mouth a limited amount. However, those with certain conditions like a history of strokes or specific spine issues cannot take part. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a group receiving Manual Therapy or a control group doing regular exercises. Throughout the study, participants will fill out forms to track their progress at the start, after six weeks, and again six weeks later. This trial is currently recruiting patients aged 65 to 74, and it aims to provide valuable insights into improving life for head and neck cancer survivors.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • individuals with HNC
• • individuals over 18 years of age
• • individuals who have undergone oncological surgery of the head and neck and/or radiotherapy
• • having finished oncological medical treatment between 3 and 36 months before inclusion
• • having a medical diagnosis of trismus and/or TMD and/or cervical or shoulder dysfunction
• • Spanish native speakers
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • sequelae of previous stroke
• • structural instability and/or osteoporosis of the cervical spine, spondylosis, cervical herniated discs
• • active osteoradionecrosis or open wounds (fistulas, soft tissue necrosis) in the anatomical treatment area
• • tracheostomized individuals
• • metastasis or active cancer
• • refuse to participate.