Hello, Nupur.

All of these replies are right on the money. I'll just add a couple of things...

1. There are PTs that specialize in oncology rehab. Even Head & Neck cancer, specifically. Your best bet is to find a PT that specializes in H&N oncology rehab, breast cancer, and lymphoedema management.

2. A patient that has been both surgically altered and blasted with radiation will never be exactly the same anatomically speaking. There will likely always be some level of pain and or dysfunction, but the goal would be to minimize pain and maximize function. The soft tissue (skin, muscles, fascia) changes first, then the joints become restricted, secondarily. This being said, it is wise to get moving on the earlier side as long as your surgeon, MO, & RO say it's safe to do so. Sometimes they want you to wait a bit for healing purposes. On the other hand, getting to a PT early, when the edema is at it's worst, can be very beneficial. I had PT, myself, after my surgeon gave me the okay. It helped, but looking back, I wish I had gone to a specialist...and that's coming from one of our own! Don't fret if you can't find one near you, but do explain your father's situation before making the appointment in order to see if they have a PT on staff that would be best suited for his needs. Don't be afraid to shop around.

I am going to be taking a course on Advanced Oncology Rehabilitation in September. Right now, I specialize in orthopedics, which entails neck and shoulder, but I don't often get onco patients. I am looking forward to broadening my scope to include this population so that I can help out others like us. I will surely share my knowledge as I am able.

Best of luck with your father. Please don't hesitate to contact me for any other questions or concerns.

Take care,
Kerri