In this article, we will discuss the Physiotherapy Management in Burns. So, let’s get started.
Physiotherapy Management
Positioning
• The basic rule for positioning burned areas is place and maintain the body part in the opposite plane and direction to which it will potentially contract – anti-contracture” positions / “the position of comfort” (fetal position) of
• Positioning techniques in Oedema control: Elevation of an extremity above heart level can be accomplished using common items such as pillows, bath blankets, towels, foam, wedges, beside tables and stockinet.
Splinting
Splints are preferable for the following reasons in burn patients.
• Splints and protection of Joints and tendons
• Splinting in oedema reduction
• Splinting following skin grafting
• Splints for uncooperative or unconscious patient
Types of splints used: Primary splints, postural splints and follow-up splints.
Exercises
Regular physiotherapy techniques and modalities could be used as per the needs, which depend on the stages of the burn injury whether it is acute, sub acute or chronic. Example: Conditioning exercises, scar management, etc.
Physiotherapy treatment techniques for a burn patient
• Education/Counselling
• Wound care
• Elevation
• Active exercise
• Passive movements
• Stretching
• CPM
• Neural mobilization
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Compression techniques
• Pressure garments
• Silicon, coban
• Splints
• Thermal modalities/US/TENS/PEME/NMES
• Strengthening/endurance exercises
• Motor/sensory re-education
• Desensitization
• Functional training
• Occupational therapy