Physical therapy is a critical component in the rehabilitation of burn patients, helping them regain mobility, function, and quality of life. Here are some key aspects of how physical therapy contributes to burn rehabilitation:

Early Intervention and Positioning

• Preventing Contractures: Positioning and limb elevation are essential to prevent contractures and maintain range of motion. Foam wedges, pillows, and rolled bedsheets are used to stretch soft tissues and elevate limbs, reducing swelling and promoting better breathing.

• Splinting: Splints are used to maintain joints in specific positions, preventing deformities and facilitating healing. Splinting is especially crucial for patients who struggle to maintain prescribed positions independently.

Exercise and Mobility

• Range of Motion Exercises: Low-intensity exercises help maintain joint mobility and prevent stiffness. These exercises include simple movements like opening and closing fists or moving ankles up and down.

• Stretching and Strengthening: Active, assisted, or passive stretching exercises improve flexibility and blood flow, while strengthening exercises help maintain muscle mass and support overall physical health.

• Walking: Early mobilization, including walking, enhances cardiovascular endurance, improves breathing, and instills a sense of independence.

Pain Management

• Medication and Scheduling: Pain management is critical for effective rehabilitation. Therapy sessions are often scheduled to coincide with pain relief medication to maximize patient participation.

• Alternative Pain Relief Methods: Techniques such as transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and hydrotherapy are used to manage pain and encourage movement.

Prevention of Complications

• Oedema Management: Elevating affected limbs and careful positioning help prevent the progression of burns into deeper tissues. Early intervention to manage edema is essential to reduce complications.

• Scar Management: Techniques such as scar massage, pressure garments, and laser therapy improve scar pliability and appearance, enhancing functional recovery and quality of life.

Long-Term Rehabilitation

• Cardiopulmonary Endurance Training: Long-term rehabilitation includes endurance and strength training, functional training specific to the affected area, and occupation-specific exercises to help patients return to their daily activities.

• Supportive Therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy, music therapy, and virtual reality exercises can help address the psychological impact of burn injuries and improve overall rehabilitation outcomes.

Collaborative Care

• Multidisciplinary Approach: Effective burn rehabilitation requires a multidisciplinary team, including physical therapists, occupational therapists, surgeons, and psychologists, to address the complex needs of burn patients and ensure comprehensive care.

By addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of burn recovery, physical therapy plays a vital role in helping patients regain independence and improve their quality of life after a burn injury.

Resources & Sources

BritishBurnAssociation.org
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Physio-Pedia.com
HealingwithPT.com