If your doctor tells you that trismus will get better by itself then they dont know what they are talking about. To the family members who are telling you the same thing, they have no clue!!!! Trismus does not get better, it gets worse when nothing is done. I was told it was due to scar tissue from the radiation and that if left alone my muscles would contract even more. Its not something that would be considered urgent but it is a problem that needs attention. Ask for a PT referral from your rad oncologist. If they are familiar with treating head and neck cancers then they would know trismus is one of the side effects of radiation to the head and neck. Which doctor told you it would pass?

When I started my PT, I was only at 4 tongue depressors too. So I know exactly where you are coming from, its awful!!! My PT worked and worked with me and we got it up to 10 which was excellent progress for me. Unfortunately I ended up having recurrances so wasnt able to continue with the PT. Ive recently had another surgery so it will be a while yet before I can resume the PT.

When I did my tongue depressor exercises, I would do both sides at the same time. That would help the side which had the biggest problem. Give it a try and I hope it works for you.

Susan, Im looking forward to hearing more about your PT experiences.