Role of physiotherapy in oral submucous fibrosis

Oral submucous fibrosis is a chronic, progressive, high risk premalignant condition seen mostly in the Indian subcontinent. It is mostly linked to betel consumption as a causative factor. The primary problem with oral submucous fibrosis is the stiffness of the mouth or difficulty in mouth opening. This is treated with medication followed by the use of exercises of the mouth prescribed by a physiotherapist. However, the role of the physiotherapist is not well defined. This article attempts to describe the type and method of exercises which can be prescribed in the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). Keywords: Physiotherapy, OSMF, Exercises