Some patients treated for head and neck cancer at St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network experience a difficult side effect called trismus — a tightening of the jaw that can make it painful or even impossible to fully open the mouth.
This can affect everyday things like eating, speaking, and even basic comfort, having a real impact on quality of life long after treatment ends.
To help address this, The Friends of St Luke’s funded a number of TheraBite jaw motion units for use across the network.
These small, handheld devices support patients in gently exercising their jaw, helping to improve movement over time. For patients who are significantly affected, TheraBite can make a meaningful difference — helping them regain the ability to eat more easily, speak more clearly, and feel more like themselves again.
The devices are provided to patients who need them most, alongside guidance and support from their care team, making it easier to stay consistent with what can be a challenging rehabilitation process.
For some patients, this kind of support can make all the difference in how they experience life after treatment.