Effects of patient-specific mobility therapy for TMJ, neck, and shoulder dysfunction after submandibular gland tumor surgery: a case report

• Published in: Physiotherapy theory and practice Vol. 37; no. 12; pp. 1 - 1496
• Main Authors: Lee, Keun-Su, Oh, Duck-Won, Lee, Joon-Hee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Taylor & Francis Ltd 02.12.2021
• Subjects: Case reports; Disability; Electrical stimulation; Exocrine glands; Functional impairment; Mobility; Neck; Oral cancer; Pain; Shoulder; Surgery; Tumors; Ultrasonic imaging; patient-specific mobility therapy; Submandibular gland tumor; radical neck dissection
• ISSN: 0959-3985; 1532-5040
• DOI: 10.1080/09593985.2019.1710882

 This case report describes a patient-specific mobility therapy (PSMT) program to restore range of motion (ROM) and overcome functional limitations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), neck, and shoulder in a 48-year-old man who underwent submandibular gland tumor surgery.  The patient also received transcutaneous electrical stimulation and ultrasound to relieve pain. Treatment was provided four sessions per week for four weeks. The measured outcomes included the Neck Disability Index (NDI), Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS), and mobility of the TMJ, neck, and shoulder.  The ROM of the TMJ, neck, and shoulder improved from 4.00 mm to 21.00 mm, 1.67 cm to 6.40 cm, and 9.75° to 56.00°, respectively, during the 1  intervention phase when compared with the baseline phase, and these gains were also maintained in the later phases. Furthermore, the NDI and PSFS scores improved by 12.75 points (24.50 to 11.75) and 5.25 points (2.00 to 7.25), respectively.  These findings demonstrate the success of PSMT in conjunction with transcutaneous electrical stimulation and ultrasound in alleviating pain and improving targeted impairments for this patient following submandibular gland tumor surgery.