Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy Services

Importance of Physiotherapy Rehabilitation

The physiotherapy department at HNCII aims at providing comprehensive onco physiotherapy services to improve both function and quality of life of head and neck cancer patients.

Onco physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the comprehensive care of cancer patients, aiming to address physical impairments, functional limitations, and quality of life issues associated with the disease and its treatments. Physiotherapy services at the hospital for cancer patients typically encompass a range of interventions tailored to individual needs. At HNCII, we have a team of specialised onco

Role of a Physiotherapist

Upon referral from oncologists/ onco surgeons or other healthcare providers, cancer patients undergo a comprehensive assessment by an onco physiotherapist to evaluate their physical function, mobility and any specific impairments related to cancer or its treatment. This assessment forms the basis for developing an individualized treatment plan.

Role of onco physiotherapy in head and neck cancer in the inpatient department

  • Early mobilization and chest physiotherapy: Physiotherapy is an important intervention that prevents and mitigates the adverse effects of prolonged bed rest. Rehabilitation delivered by the physiotherapist is tailored to patient needs and depends on the conscious state, psychological status and physical strength of the patient. It incorporates any active and passive therapy that promotes movement and includes mobilization. Early progressive physiotherapy, with a focus on mobility and walking is essential in minimizing functional decline. Often patients develop cough post surgery, chest physiotherapy helps in clearance of secretions and improving lung function.
Physiotherapy
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Role of onco physiotherapy in head and neck cancer in the outpatient department

  • Trismus management: Trismus which means reduced mouth opening can occur post surgery or post radiation. Physiotherapy can help restore the natural movement of your jaw and improve your daily function. This is achieved with manual jaw mobilization, mouth opening exercises and with the help of devices like Jaw stretcher and orabite.
  • Lymphedema Management: Our physiotherapists are Certified lymphedema therapists who are specially trained to manage lymphedema. Cancer patients at risk of or experiencing lymphedema, a common side effect of cancer treatment involving swelling due to impaired lymphatic drainage. Lymphedema can occur either in the upper limb post breast surgery. It can also occur in lower limb after abdominal or pelvic surgery and face after head neck surgery. The gold standard for lymphedema management is comprehensive decongestive therapy which is practised at HNCII. Treatment includes patient education, multi-layer compression bandaging, compression device, compression garment, manual lymphatic drainage and exercise. Also our hospital takes pride in being one of the few centers in India where facial lymphedema is treated. At our institute, we have compression therapy device with attachments for both arm and leg. We also train the patient in self management of their condition by teaching self lymphatic drainage.
  • General mobility and pain relief: Few patients develop restrictions in range of motion and pain post surgery or radiation. These symptoms can be alleviated with exercises and pain relieving treatment modalities.
  • Follow-Up and Monitoring: Regular follow-ups are scheduled to monitor progress and ensure best results.

By addressing physical impairments, promoting functional independence, and enhancing overall well-being, physiotherapy services in hospitals play a vital role in supporting cancer patients throughout their treatment and recovery journey.

Services offered at the Physiotherapy department

Physiotherapy post head and neck cancer surgery

  • Treatment of post operative neck and shoulder pain.
  • Treatment of post radiation neck and shoulder pain.
  • Treatment of Temporomandibular/ Jaw pain.
  • Management of trismus/ reduced mouth opening.
  • Airway clearance and chest physiotherapy.
  • Facial lymphedema management.
  • Management of facial palsy.

Physiotherapy post breast surgery

  • Comprehensive lymphedema management for hand: multi layer bandaging, lymphapress, lymphatic drainage techniques.
  • Provision of customized compression garments.
  • Treatment of shoulder dysfunction post breast surgery.
  • Management of axillary cording.
  • Pain management.

Physiotherapy post gynaecological and abdominal surgery

  • Pelvic floor strengthening and Kegels exercises.
  • Comprehensive lymphedema management for leg: multi layer bandaging, lymphapress, lymphatic drainage techniques.
  • Pain management.

Instruments available at the Physiotherapy department

  • Lymphedema: Lymphapress with arm and leg attachments, Compression garments.
  • Trismus: Orabite, Jaw stretcher, Silicone mouth blocks.
  • Pain management: Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, Therapeutic Ultrasound.

Meet the Expert

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Ms. Vibhavari Koli

Qualifications

MPTh, Certified Lymphedema Therapist

Areas of Specialization

Ms Vibhavari is a Maharashtra State OTPT council certified physiotherapist. She has completed her Masters in physiotherapy from Seth GS medical college and KEM hospital. She has also completed her lymphedema certification from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai. She also has 1 national publication to her credit. 

Department timing

Monday to Saturday 9 am to 6 pm, Third floor, HNCII. Teleconsultation services provided upon request.

Downloads

Important Links

Services

  • Punyashlok Ahilyabai Holkar Head and Neck Cancer Institute of India (HNCII),
    Plot-CS No. 254, Barrister Nath Pai Marg, Dockyard Road, Mazagaon, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400010.
  • enquiries@hncii.com
  • 022 - 69450100
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