Exercise therapy to treat trismus in a patient with head neck cancer: A case report

Trismus, a reduction in mouth opening (MO), is frequently observed in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Defined by an inter-incisal distance of less than 35 mm, trismus significantly impacts the quality of life. This case study examines a 36-year-old female with left buccal mucosa carcinoma, presenting with an MO of 28 mm, measured via a digital Vernier caliper. A tailored physiotherapy protocol was implemented, involving warm-up exercises and stretching with a Heister jaw opener, executed twice daily for 4 weeks. The posttreatment assessment showed a notable MO increase to 42 mm. This case illustrates the benefits of exercise therapy for trismus in HNC, suggesting its utility as a noninvasive treatment option.