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Head & Neck Cancer Rehab

Thryoid Neck Check.

After treatment for head and neck cancer, you may benefit from rehabilitation services such as speech, physical, occupational or nutritional therapy. The type of rehab recommended depends on where the cancer was located and how it was treated.

WakeMed's Head and Neck Cancer Rehabilitation Program is designed to support patients at every stage of recovery. Our specialized rehabilitation team provides high-quality, comprehensive care tailored to the unique challenges faced by individuals with head and neck cancers. Our focus is on restoring function, improving quality of life and empowering patients with the tools and support they need throughout their recovery.

Our team works closely with your Cancer Care providers to deliver personalized, compassionate care focused on what matters most – helping you return to daily activities with confidence.

Comprehensive, Specialized Care

Treatment for head and neck cancer can affect some of the most essential functions of daily life. Our program addresses both the physical and emotional effects of treatment through targeted therapies that support recovery and long-term well-being.

We help patients manage and improve:

  • Difficulty swallowing or speaking
  • Jaw tightness or limited mouth opening
  • Neck and shoulder pain or weakness
  • Lymphedema and post-surgical swelling
  • Scar tissue and reduced mobility
  • Fatigue and reduced endurance

Our Rehabilitation Services

Each patient’s plan of care is tailored to their diagnosis, treatment history and personal goals. Rehabilitation services may include:

  • Speech and swallowing therapy to help relearn or improve swallowing and communication skills, through targeted exercises that strengthen the mouth and throat muscles, along with diet modifications to increase safety and comfort when swallowing is difficult.
  • Physical therapy to address mobility, strength and coordination of your neck and shoulders while reducing pain and improving overall movement.
  • Occupational therapy to support independence with daily living activities, manage fatigue and adapt to physical changes that may affect work or home life.
  • Nutritional counselling to help navigate eating difficulties, educate on modified diets, provide strategies to prevent weight loss and malnutrition, and assist with tube feeding, when needed.
  • Lymphedema management to help prevent and treat swelling in the face, neck or arms following cancer treatment.

A Team That Understands

Our therapists have advanced training in oncology rehabilitation and experience caring for patients with head and neck cancers. We understand the complexities of treatment and recovery – and we meet patients with empathy, respect and encouragement at every stage.

We collaborate closely with your Cancer Care team – including your surgeons, medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and other specialists – to ensure coordinated, seamless care.

Take the Next Step

If you or a loved one is experiencing challenges after head and neck cancer treatment, WakeMed is here to help.

A physician referral is required to receive outpatient rehab services, including head and neck cancer rehab. Referrals can be faxed to (919) 235-1328.

For questions, call (919) 350-7422 or email specialtyrehabservices@wakemed.org.