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The benefit of incorporating physical therapy into a multidisciplinary approach in head and neck
Title
The benefit of incorporating physical therapy into a multidisciplinary approach in head and neck.
Creator
Becker, Brandie, Rader, Melanie
Abstract / Description
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...
Show moreHistorically, 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.
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Date Issued
2012
Identifier
fgcu_ETD_0496
Format
Document (PDF)
Physical Therapy Treatment for a Patient with Complex Rehabilitation Needs During and After Chemoradiation for Head and Neck Cance
Title
Physical Therapy Treatment for a Patient with Complex Rehabilitation Needs During and After Chemoradiation for Head and Neck Cance.
Creator
Carter, Brianne Campbell, Marieb College of Health & Human Services
Abstract / Description
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...
Show moreBackground 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.
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Date Issued
2015
Identifier
Carter_fgcu_1743_10156
Format
Document (PDF)
SECONDARY BENEFITS OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE MEDICATIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCER
Title
SECONDARY BENEFITS OF ANTIHYPERTENSIVE MEDICATIONS IN THE TREATMENT OF CANCER.
Creator
Szczygiel, Stacy, Marieb College of Health & Human Services
Abstract / Description
Introduction: Traditional cancer treatments remain woefully inadequate to address and manage the increasingly complex manifestations of the disease and its insidious sequelae. While chemotherapy and surgical procedures might still be mainstays of cancer treatment, novel therapies based on existing medications should be explored if these show promise to improve cancer progression. The class of drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system have shown promise to stem the...
Show moreIntroduction: Traditional cancer treatments remain woefully inadequate to address and manage the increasingly complex manifestations of the disease and its insidious sequelae. While chemotherapy and surgical procedures might still be mainstays of cancer treatment, novel therapies based on existing medications should be explored if these show promise to improve cancer progression. The class of drugs that inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system have shown promise to stem the proliferation of malignant cells and their resulting neoplasms. Methods: Using the PubMed database, a keyword search, using terms related to the topic, produced several articles that presented studies related to the potential secondary benefits of antihypertensive drugs on cancer cell proliferation. Results: Five articles presented compelling evidence that the different types of hypertension medications could confer protection against multiplying cancer cells. Only one article mentioned the possible cancer promoting effects of such medications, but this was only in the context of treating hypertensive geriatric patients and their other age-related disorders. Conclusion: Antihypertensive drugs, particularly those that inhibit the angiotensin converting enzymes, have shown promise to shunt normal cancer metabolic pathways and shut down key processes necessary for malignant cell proliferation. Based on this research, these drugs present promise for adjuvant cancer treatment and disease management.
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Date Issued
2019-12-16
Identifier
fgcu_ETD_0319
Format
Document (PDF)