Abstract
Background and Purpose: This case report describes the extensive physical therapy needs of a patient with head and neck cancer, how these needs change over the course of cancer treatment, the measurements necessary for a comprehensive physical therapy assessment, and multimodal interventions through all phases of cancer treatment. Case Description: The patient was a 76-year-old male treated in an outpatient physical therapy clinic during and after chemoradiation to treat pharyngeal cancer. He presented with impaired quality of life, cancer-related fatigue, limited cervical mobility, shoulder weakness, temporomandibular dysfunction, and lymphedema. Physical therapy management included patient education, manual therapy to improve musculoskeletal mobility, therapeutic exercise for endurance, cervical and shoulder strengthening, temporomandibular exercises, postural education, and complete decongestive therapy to address lymphedema. Outcomes: Following treatment, the patient had improved pain, quality of life, fatigue, cervical mobility, deep cervical neck flexor endurance, temporomandibular function, shoulder elevation, upper trapezius strength, and lymphedema. He was independent with an exercise program and lymphedema management. Discussion: This case illustrates the role of the physical therapist in preventing complications during and restoring function and quality of life following treatments for head and neck cancer.