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Review Papers | Physiotherapy | India | Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023 | Rating: 5.3 / 10

A Literature Review to Analyze the Effectiveness of Physiotherapy in Trismus Following Radiotherapy

Kundan Panchariya | Prof. Anjali Suresh

Abstract: Background: Trismus in oral cancer is defined as a tonic contraction of the muscles of mastication resulting from any abnormal condition or disease with a mouth opening of ?35mm. Trismus (lockjaw) is a prolonged tetanic spasm of the jaw muscles. Prevalence of Trismus is very high (81 %) in patients undergoing radiotherapy secondary to Head & Neck cancer. Aim: To review the effectiveness of physiotherapy management in Trismus in Head and Neck Cancer following radiotherapy. Search Method: PubMed, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and Science Direct from these database articles were searched. Articles from 2012 - 2021 have been taken. Selection Criteria: Selection criteria include the articles focusing on Trismus in head and neck cancer following radiotherapy. Result: Out of 15 articles, 5 show that mouth - opening devices (therabite, Dynasplint, Tongue depressor) are effective in improving mouth opening.2 articles show that low - level ultrasound and exercise therapy were more effective than low - level laser therapy along with exercise therapy in treating trismus.8 articles show that exercise therapy is beneficial in treating trismus. Some articles show that exercise therapy should be started immidiate after surgery or radiotherapy showed fewer complications of trismus. Conclusion: This literature review analyzed the effect of physiotherapy management for trismus. It can be the choice of treatment for trismus conditions.

Keywords: Physiotherapy management, Postradiotherapy, Radiotherapy - induced trismus, Trismus

Edition: Volume 12 Issue 6, June 2023,

Pages: 292 - 296