Abstract
Historically, patients have only been treated by speech therapists for complications following cancer of the head and neck such as fibrosis, dysphagia, and myofascial pain syndrome. The goal of the research was to answer the following questions: Is there a difference in outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer when physical therapy interventions occur early in the multidisciplinary rehabilitation process when compared to patients who receive physical therapy later, when looking at the at the following outcomes: passive cervical range of motion, active cervical range of motion, and quality of life? Do all patients improve with the multidisciplinary plan of care in the following outcomes: passive cervical range of motion, active cervical range of motion, and quality of life? This retrospective research study utilized a patient records review. Each patient underwent the standard evaluation and treatment. The patients were classified into two groups: early and late based on when physical therapy was initiated. A total of 58 records were reviewed and 30 patients met the inclusion criteria. All patients improved in active cervical range of motion regardless of group classification. The results of the study support the benefit of a multidisciplinary approach in treating patients with head and neck cancer. Further research is needed to explore the benefits of this approach on quality of life.