Post-Surgical Rehabilitation for Laryngectomy and Head and Neck Cancer in Perth

What is Post-Surgical Rehabilitation?

Post-surgical rehabilitation is a critical step in recovery for individuals who have undergone surgery for laryngectomy or head and neck cancer. These procedures can significantly impact a person’s ability to speak, swallow, and perform daily activities. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, our specialized rehabilitation services are designed to help you regain function, independence, and quality of life.

Our multidisciplinary team, including physiotherapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists, works together to create individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.

Laryngectomy Rehabilitation

A laryngectomy is the surgical removal of the larynx, often performed due to cancer. This procedure results in the loss of natural speech and alters breathing. Rehabilitation is essential to help patients adjust to these changes and learn alternative ways to communicate.

Key Goals of Laryngectomy Rehabilitation:

1. Restoring Communication: Post-surgery, speech therapy focuses on alternative communication methods such as:

   • Oesophageal Speech: Learning to use the esophagus to produce sound.

   • Tracheoesophageal Puncture (TEP): A voice prosthesis inserted between the trachea and esophagus to enable speech.

   • Electrolarynx: A handheld device that produces vibrations to create sound for speech.

2. Swallowing Therapy: Surgery can also affect swallowing, so therapy focuses on retraining the muscles and improving swallowing function. Our speech pathologists guide patients through exercises and techniques to help regain safe and effective swallowing.

3. Breathing Adjustments: After laryngectomy, patients breathe through a stoma (an opening in the neck). Rehabilitation includes teaching patients how to care for the stoma, manage secretions, and adjust to breathing changes.

4. Psychosocial Support: Adjusting to life post-laryngectomy can be challenging. Our team provides emotional and psychological support, offering strategies to cope with changes in communication and social interaction.

Head and Neck Cancer Rehabilitation

Head and neck cancer treatments, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, can lead to various complications, such as difficulties with speech, swallowing, and movement. Our head and neck cancer rehabilitation program aims to address these challenges and support your recovery.

Key Components of Head and Neck Cancer Rehabilitation:

1. Speech and Swallowing Therapy: Speech pathologists work to improve speech clarity and swallowing ability, helping patients regain their ability to eat and communicate. Therapy may involve:

   • Swallowing exercises to strengthen the muscles used for swallowing.

   • Speech exercises to improve clarity and vocal function after surgery or radiation.

2. Physiotherapy for Mobility: Surgery for head and neck cancer can affect neck mobility and shoulder function. Our physiotherapists provide exercises to restore range of motion, improve strength, and reduce stiffness in the affected areas.

3. Lymphedema Management: After surgery or radiation, some patients develop lymphedema (swelling) in the head and neck region. Our therapists offer techniques such as manual lymphatic drainage and specific exercises to reduce swelling and discomfort.

4. Occupational Therapy for Daily Functioning: Occupational therapy helps patients adapt to changes in their abilities and regain independence in daily activities. This may include strategies for self-care, eating, and communication.

5. Nutritional Guidance: Head and neck cancer treatments can impact a patient’s ability to eat and maintain nutrition. We provide guidance on managing diet and nutrition post-surgery to ensure proper healing and overall well-being.

Personalised Rehabilitation Plans

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we recognize that each patient’s journey is unique. We develop personalized rehabilitation plans that address the specific challenges and goals of each individual. Our team works closely with you to monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed to ensure optimal recovery.

Your Rehabilitation Plan May Include:

• Initial Assessment: A comprehensive evaluation of your post-surgical condition, including speech, swallowing, mobility, and daily functioning.

• Customized Exercises: Tailored exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and function in affected areas.

• Ongoing Therapy Sessions: Regular therapy sessions to track progress and support continued recovery.

• Home Exercise Programs: Exercises and techniques that you can practice at home to reinforce progress made during therapy sessions.

The Importance of Early Intervention in Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Early intervention is critical for optimal recovery following surgery for laryngectomy or head and neck cancer. Engaging in rehabilitation as soon as possible helps to prevent complications, accelerate healing, and improve long-term outcomes. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we encourage patients to begin their rehabilitation journey early to maximize their chances of regaining speech, swallowing, and movement function.