How can I treat trismus?
Oct 04, 2022
Trismus is difficult to treat. There are no magical exercises that can "fix" or repair the side effects following treatment of head & neck cancer. However, exercises aimed to improve the oral opening or mouth opening can be taught and completed in your home daily under the supervision of a clinician trained in trismus evaluation and intervention.
The side effects following radiation treatment impact the muscles that are utilized to open our mouth. The three muscles we work to treat the most are masseter, lateral pterygoid and medial pterygoid. A physical therapist, occupational therapist or speech language pathologist will work evaluate the opening of the oral cavity, called maximal interincisal opening and aim to provide individualized treatment based on these measurements. The therapist is hoping for any number greater than 35mm and will create a therapy plan based on pain. Trismus can be extremely painful and dangerous to treat.
What are three things I can do to help my trismus?
- Chew gum
- Chew food moving it from side to side in my mouth
- Open my mouth everyday against resistance.
- Shift my jaw from side to side holding it in place.
Working closely with a therapist who will develop an individual plan based on your pain level, prior treatment and goals is necessary.
