[Assessment of stretching techniques for neck and arms muscles in physiotherapy following total laryngectomy]

After total laryngectomy and after complete treatment (radiotherapy) there are many functional disorders in the range of head and neck. These decrease muscle strength and flexibility of muscles of cervical spine. This causes disorders of physiological range of motions of this area. The introduction of the stretching techniques (postisometric relaxation) to the physiotherapy program allows to decrease negative effects of treatment, mentioned above. The therapy of main cervical muscles was carried out during a two week rehabilitation camp. Biomechanical-kinesiological tests were used to assess the effect of the physiotherapy program. The application of postisometrical relaxation and the massage of the cervical and arm muscles increased the average motor ranges and muscle strength. Cervical muscles disbalance was decreased at the same time.