Physical Therapy Can Play Important Role Following Radiation for Head and Neck Cancer
Individuals who have been treated with radiation for head and neck cancer are at an increased risk for Radiation Fibrosis Syndrome (RFS). The syndrome can develop at any point following a course of radiation, which means symptoms can begin long after treatment has been completed. What is RFS and Why Does it Occur? Radiation is designed to go after cancerous cells, but it can negatively impact non-cancerous cells. In the case of RFS, the non-cancerous cells can have alteration
Trigger Point Injections...what's that?
Trigger point injections are sometimes an indicated treatment for jaw muscle pain and pain associated with radiation fibrosis syndrome. What are trigger points? Trigger points are, an essence, knots that form in muscles. They are spasms or localized areas of inflammation that may result from injury, radiation treatment, muscle strain or overuse. Trigger points may be extremely painful when they are active. Other times, though, trigger points may remain latent and asymptomatic
Acupuncture at the Dental Office?
Eastern medicine may be finding its way into the dental office and for good reason. An increasing number of studies are beginning to support that acupuncture may prove to be helpful for dental patients to treat various conditions ranging from xerostomia (dry mouth) after chemoradiation therapy to orofacial pain to nausea and dental phobia. What is acupuncture? One of the oldest forms of chinese medicine, acupuncture is believed to have started as early as 100 BC. This eastern