Treatment for Tonsil Cancer

Hi, A patient has been referred who has been treated with head and neck radiation for tonsil cancer.  The reason for referral is limited ability to open following the treatment.  He did not have surgery.  He has severe dry mouth which is being addressed with xylitol gels and lozenges.  Any suggestions for treatment exercises is greatly appreciated.    Thanks

Hi,     You have to answer some questions first.  Does he have difficulty opening his mouth for any purpose?  How does he appear when he attempts to do so?  Does he move his head upward and stretch his neck?  Does he try to force his lips apart?        What is the difference in effort between his trying to smile as opposed to trying to create an O shape with his lips?  Can he do any of the lip exercises?  Hold together and maintain position with strength for 10 seconds?  Can he place his lower lip entirely over his upper lip?  If so, can he hold that position?     Is there asymmetry during any movements…facial or labial or other?   In spite of the “dry mouth,” are there also episodes with excessive salivation or saliva collection?       If you can tell me as many precise symptoms that you see, then it is easier to create an exercise program to fill the deficits.  You can send a video, or better yes, why don’t you bring him to my course next month and we can have a look and I can give my opinion, etc.  I hope some of this helps….let me know how things progress.  Sandra