Lisa,
If this PT doesn't know what he is doing, find one that does. He certainly has a book he can look it up in. I'd go someplace else.

I had PT after both neck dissections and rad which included heat, massage, stretching muscles to correct my 'winged scapula', help with saliva, get rid of excess lymph drainage and massaging the neck scar so it wouldn't tighten up. It helped a great deal. My recollection was it was in a downward direction, but it was also turning my head from side to side and massaging from the center under my chin towards my ears. It also includued facial massage, both intra and extra oral for trismus and saliva production.

Maybe your RO or surgeon can recommend one. Too bad your not in NJ. Find the right PT and he should see improvment.

Take care,
Eileen