Head & Neck Cancer Rehabilitation & Lymphedema Care

Head and neck cancer treatment can affect jaw movement, neck mobility, and lymphatic flow in the face and throat. These changes can make daily activities—such as eating, speaking, turning your head, or resting comfortably—more difficult. At Ilaaj Physical Therapy in Tarzana, we provide one-on-one, gentle and skilled care to reduce tightness, restore comfort, and support healing after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Common Symptoms We Help Improve

  • Jaw tightness or difficulty opening the mouth (Trismus)

  • Neck stiffness or pulling when turning the head

  • Swelling under the chin or along the jawline (Head & Neck Lymphedema)

  • Heaviness or fullness in the throat or face

  • Shoulder tension or postural changes during recovery

Why These Symptoms Occur

Radiation and surgery can affect:

  • The muscles and soft tissues involved in jaw and neck movement

  • The fascia and lymphatic system that help move fluid from the face and throat

  • The posture and muscle balance of the head, neck, and shoulders

These changes can lead to tightness, swelling, and discomfort—but they can improve with the right care.

Our Treatment Approach

We use gentle, skilled techniques that support tissue mobility, lymphatic flow, and recovery:

  • Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) for swelling under the chin, jawline, and neck

  • Soft tissue and fascia release for radiation fibrosis and scar tightness

  • Jaw mobility exercises to improve opening and ease daily activities

  • Neck mobility and stretching to restore comfortable motion

  • Posture and breathing strategies to reduce strain

  • Simple home exercises to support long-term progress

Your care is always one-on-one with a licensed oncology physical therapist and certified lymphedema therapist.

Illustration of lymphatic pathways in the neck showing swelling under the chin and jawline associated with head and neck cancer, treated with gentle lymphedema therapy and neck mobility rehabilitation at Ilaaj Physical Therapy in Tarzana.
calming treatment room for patients that have head and neck cancer get treatment

Head & Neck Lymphedema After Radiation

Swelling may appear under the chin, along the jaw, or in the neck. It may feel like fullness, heaviness, or tightness.
Lymphedema in this region can affect comfort, appearance, and swallowing.

With skilled therapy, swelling often can be reduced, and tissue mobility and comfort can improve.

Our approach is safe, gentle, and tailored to your healing stage.

Looking for general information about lymphedema?

See our Lymphedema Management and Complete Decongestive Therapy Page.

What to Expect at Your Evaluation

  1. Conversation about your treatment history and current symptoms

  2. Assessment of jaw and neck movement, comfort, and function

  3. Gentle hands-on treatment during the first visit

  4. A simple home program designed to support daily comfort

  5. A clear plan for weekly care based on your goals and healing

Your Recovery Is Personal

We meet you where you are.
We progress care at a pace that feels safe, manageable, and respectful of your healing process.

Schedule a Head & Neck Cancer Recovery Appointment


Call 818-47- ILAAJ (45225) or email info@ilaajpt.com

 FAQs

  • Most patients can begin gentle rehabilitation once cleared by their medical team. If you are still in active radiation, we adapt treatment to support comfort, reduce tightness, and protect healing tissues.

  • Yes. We use very gentle, precise techniques designed specifically for head and neck lymphatic anatomy. Treatment is always adjusted to your comfort and stage of recovery.

  • Yes. We use gradual jaw mobility techniques and movement strategies that help improve opening and reduce tension over time. Even small improvements can make eating, oral care, and speaking more comfortable.

  • Yes. Radiation and surgical changes can affect soft tissue mobility. Gentle hands-on therapy, posture support, and guided stretching can help restore movement and reduce discomfort.