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CranioRehab Update and Research Refresh

Posted by Sarah Schuman, M.S. CCC-SLP on 6/17/2019 to Cleft Lip & Palate

CranioRehab Update & Research Refresh. Review "Correlation Between Radiation Dose to Pterygoid and Masseter Muscles with Trismus" and "Successful Rehab of Facial Burns Using Jaw Motion Rehab Systems Including the OraStretch Press". Learn about CranioRehab products.

Actress Aims to Destigmatize HPV- Related Cancers

Posted by Sarah Schuman, M.S. CCC-SLP on 6/11/2019 to General Medical and Dental Information

In an effort to end the shame surrounding cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), actress Marcia Cross shares her personal story with anal cancer as well as her husband's with throat cancer.

New Research Correlates Radiation Dose to the Masseter and Pterygoid Muscles with the Development of Trismus (Article Review)

Posted by Sarah Schuman, MS, CCC-SLP on 5/21/2019 to Head & Neck Cancer, Radiation Therapy

Reconfirmed!! New research reinforces the correlation between radiation dose to the masseter and pterygoid muscles with the development of trismus.

The study “Radiation dose to the masseter and medial pterygoid muscle in relation to trismus after chemoradiotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer” stresses the impact of radiation dose on the ipsilateral masseter muscle and the ipsilateral medial pterygoid muscle in head and neck cancer patients. A meaningful analysis of data was conducted across 83 patients treated for advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. These patients participated in a preventive exercise program for mouth opening and MIO measurements were compared. The study concluded that radiation dose on the ipsilateral masseter muscle and ipsilateral medial pterygoid muscle is predictive for trismus.

Xerostomia in HNC Patients

Posted by Sarah Schuman, MS, CCC-SLP on 2/5/2019 to Dysphagia & Oral Motor Control

Xerostomia, "dry mouth" is due to reduced or absent saliva production. It may affect a patient's quality of life and can lead to serious health problems! Learn about the signs, symptoms and managing xerostomia.

Living with Xerostomia - Mouth Care and Gum Health

Posted by Sarah Schuman, MS, CCC-SLP on 1/16/2019 to Dysphagia & Oral Motor Control

Living with Xerostomia? Tried and true tips from cancer survivor Speech Pathologist, Marcy Maksail, for Saliva Substitutes, Mouth and Gum Health.

IMPORTANT HPV VACCINATION UPDATE!!!

Posted by Sarah Schuman, MS, CCC-SLP on 12/17/2018 to General Medical and Dental Information

On October 5, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the administration of the Gardasil 9 vaccine for women and men between the ages of 28-45 years. Previously the vaccine was indicated for individuals up to the age of 27 years. "Gardasil 9 prevents certain cancers and diseases caused by the nine HPV types covered by the vaccine". Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) can cause head and neck cancer in men and women. It is the cause of most oropharyngeal cancers in United States. These cancers and their treatment may lead to trismus (limited mouth opening) and dysphagia (difficulty swallowing).

The expansion in vaccination ages follows a study in which 3,2000 women between the ages 27-45 years were followed for approximately 3.5 years and it was found that Gardasil was 88% effective in preventing certain HPV related infections and cancers. The results were inferred to apply to men as well.

For further information, please see the complete FDA News Release at: https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm622715.htm

Swallowing Difficulties and the Holidays

Posted by Sarah Schuman on 12/14/2018 to Dysphagia & Oral Motor Control

Difficulty swallowing, dysphagia, may cause the sufferer to feel embarrassment eating and drinking around friends and family. This may lead to lack of participation during holiday celebrations. With some adjustments it is possible to make celebrations inclusive and enjoyable for all. We, at CMR, wish you and yours a very happy holiday season.

When to order a Jaw Motion Rehab System for Trismus Prevention from Radiation Therapy.

Posted by Rob Christensen on 11/1/2018 to Dysphagia & Oral Motor Control

When to order a Jaw Motion Rehab System for Trismus Prevention from Radiation Therapy.

When should you recommend using a jaw motion rehab system like the OraStretch press to prevent trismus after radiation therapy? Who is most at risk for developing trismus from radiation treatment? We provide research and a decision tree to help you prevent trismus in head & neck cancer patients.

Trismus in Head & Neck Cancer

Posted by Sarah Schuman, MS, CCC-SLP on 5/25/2018 to Head & Neck Cancer, Radiation Therapy

Trismus, or restriction to mouth opening, has many implications including difficulty speaking, eating, maintaining oral hygiene, receiving dental procedures and may even affect intubation. Typical measure of mouth opening is 50 mm and highly correlated to body size. An opening of 35mm or less is considered trismus. Trismus is preventable and treatable by engaging in exercise therapy and treatment using jaw motion rehab systems such as the OraStretch® press.

HPV and Oral Cancer - Signs and Symptoms

Posted by Sarah Schuman, MS, CCC-SLP on 2/12/2018 to General Medical and Dental Information

HPV is the most prevalent sexually transmitted virus. The best screening for HPV related oral cancer is by a medical or dental professional. However there are signs and symptoms that the individual can monitor.

Article Review on Trismus incidence and impact on quality of life in head and neck cancer patients (2013)

Posted by Sarah Schuman, MS, CCC-SLP on 2/5/2018 to Head & Neck Cancer, Radiation Therapy

Article Review on Trismus incidence and impact on quality of life in head and neck cancer patients (2013)

This study assesses the negative impact of trismus (restricted mouth opening) on head and neck cancer patients daily life activities. 6-12 months post-treatment trismus was found to impact quality of life with decreased mouth opening, jaw related problems, eating limitations, muscular tension, dry mouth, swallowing and pain as well as anxiety and depression both pre- and post-treatment.

Article Review on Exercise intervention for trismus in head and neck cancer (2016)

Posted by Sarah Schuman, MS, CCC-SLP on 1/29/2018 to Head & Neck Cancer, Radiation Therapy

Article Review on Exercise intervention for trismus in head and neck cancer (2016)

Investigation into long term effects of exercise intervention utilizing jaw mobilizing device on trismus in HNC patients. Concluded that jaw mobilizing devices produce positive outcomes that persist over time.

New Research - Impact of Exercise with TheraBite device on trismus and health-related quality of life (2017)

Posted by Sarah Schuman, MS, CCC-SLP on 1/17/2018 to Head & Neck Cancer, Radiation Therapy

New Research - Impact of Exercise with TheraBite device on trismus and health-related quality of life (2017)

The TheraBite's positive effects on maximum interincisal opening and health-related quality of life factors.

Trismus Prevention and Treatment for Head & Neck for Cancer and Radiation Patients - Presentation at ASHA 2016

Posted by Rob Christensen on 11/21/2016 to Head & Neck Cancer, Radiation Therapy

At the 2016 national ASHA convention, we presented on "Trismus Prevention and Treatment for Head & Neck for Cancer and Radiation Patients." Here we provide a copy of the slides for the presentaion and the handout from the session.

Webinar on Trismus and Xerostomia for the Head & Neck Cancer Patient

Posted by Rob Christensen on 1/29/2015 to Dysphagia & Oral Motor Control

We have posted our first user-controlled webinar presentation about Head and Neck Cancer Rehabilitation Webinar, including information on trismus, xerostomia, the OraStretch press and TheraBite system.

Learn about diagnosing trismus, when to order a jaw motion rehab system for prevention of trismus, how to order, treatment options for xerostomia and more.

What is included with the TheraBite System? An overview of the device, its parts, and what they do.

Posted by Linda Van Rossen on 8/7/2013 to Head & Neck Cancer, Radiation Therapy

Learn more about what is included in the TheraBite jaw motion rehab system, including parts and their purposes.

A Dry Mouth Remedy: Mouth Kote

Posted by Linda Shafto Van Rossen on 2/15/2013 to Head & Neck Cancer, Radiation Therapy

Dry Mouth Remedt

I was recently contacted by a friend of mine, who's Mom was suffering from severe dry mouth as a result of chemo and radiation therapy. She had tried all the usual remedies and could find nothing that gave her true relief for more then a few moments. But I had something for her to try...

HPV Info Mix Up on New HBO Show "Girls"

Posted by Linda Shafto on 6/5/2012 to Head & Neck Cancer, Radiation Therapy

Hannah, the spunky central character in the edgy new HBO series “Girls,” is a creative and endearingly naive 24-year-old bumbling fearlessly through post-college life.

HPV Vaccine May Prevent Recurring Cancers

Posted by Rob Christensen on 4/3/2012 to Head & Neck Cancer, Radiation Therapy

A new study shows that the HPV vaccine may reduce the risk of HPV-related disease.

New study on increases in throat cancers from HPV.

Posted by Rob Christensen on 10/7/2011 to Head & Neck Cancer, Radiation Therapy

A new study estimates that oral and throat cancers have increased by 325% from 1998 to 2004, even as smoking has decreased.

Doctors connect the increase to HPV, the virus that causes cervical cancer, and which a new vaccine has stirred controversy.

“It’s very clear that this is becoming a major epidemic,” said Dr. Kevin J. Cullen.

New XEROS Dry Mouth Pump for severe chronic dry mouth from radiation of head, neck, oral and nasal cancer

Posted by Rob Christensen on 4/15/2011 to Head & Neck Cancer, Radiation Therapy

Launch of the XEROS Dry Mouth Pump. This new product alleviates the debilitation from severe chronic dry mouth. Chronic dry mouth is often a side-effect from radiation therapy to the head, neck, mouth, tongue, jaw, and nose.

The XEROS Dry Mouth Pump provides continual hydration throughout the day and night by providing small amounts of liquid to the mouth via a controllable pump for improved hydration, function and health.

Aggressive Stretching Techniques to Overcome your Trismus!

Posted by Rob Christensen on 11/4/2010 to Head & Neck Cancer, Radiation Therapy

PNF is a very powerful stretching technique, originally used by Eastern European gymnasts. It utilizes both stretching and mobilizing the surrounding muscles to improve the strength and flexibility of the tight joint. PNF stretching is reviewed by James Scifers in the article "The Truth about PNF Techniques" in Advance magazine.

Keep Brushing, even when its hard to open your mouth! Oral Hygiene and Your Heart.

Posted by Rob Christensen on 10/22/2010 to Head & Neck Cancer, Radiation Therapy

The details on how brushing can helps prevent cardiovascular disease.