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Radiation Fibrosis - Development and Impact in HNC Patients |
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What is radiation fibrosis? Radiation, commonly used in the treatment of head and neck cancer, may negatively affect healthy cells by increasing the production of the protein, fibrin. Fibrin accumulates and causes progressive damage in the treatment field by impacting soft tissues including skin, connective tissue, muscles, nerves and blood vessels. It may lead to the development of trismus, or limited mouth opening. |
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How does trismus impact health and quality of life?
Trismus affects patients negatively by making it difficult to speak, eat, maintain good oral hygiene, receive dental procedures and it even has the potential to complicate intubation. |
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What is the incidence of trismus in HNC patients?
In patients that receive radiation treatments, approximately 30% will develop trismus. If the treatment field includes the pterygoid or masseter muscles incidence rises to above 80%. Loss of maximal interincisal opening (MIO) is continual and progressive in these patients. Therapeutic exercises will need to continue for the rest of the patient's life!
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THE GOOD NEWS! Trismus is preventable and treatable. Exercise therapy and treatment decreases both the incidence and severity of trismus. Jaw motion rehab systems such as the OraStretch® press provide the most efficacious therapy. |
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| - Provides passive motion to treat and prevent trismus and joint dysfunction.
- Prevents trismus by stretching to the 50mm adult average.
- OraStretch press dynamic bands work with the OraStretch press device to provide dynamic stretching and active resistance therapy. |
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To order, simply complete and return our Prescription-Order form. We will confirm insurance coverage, pre-auth equipment, bill the insurer and work with the patient to provide the equipment. Includes free shipping, free size exchanges and a lifetime warranty. |
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More Head and Neck Cancer Solutions!
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Our recently launched Salvate™ Home Hydration System treats patients with severe xerostomia. We also carry NutriSqueeze™ bottles for patients on liquid/soft diets as well as microstomia prevention appliances. Please see our website for all products.
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| Discover more about the OraStretch press and other products on our website, including an ordering guide, prescription-order form, product comparisons, and clinical research at CranioRehab.com. Ordering an OraStretch press is easy. Complete and fax/email us our Rx-Order form and we will confirm insurance coverage and contact the patient. |
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OraStretch, Salvate, Nutrisqueeze, Helping People Say Ahhhhh! are trademarks of CranioMandibular Rehab, Inc.
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