Post Burn Rehabilitation is a crucial phase in the recovery of a burn survivor, focusing on restoring function, minimizing deformity, managing pain, and supporting psychological healing. It begins as soon as the patient is medically stable and continues long after wound closure.
Goals of Post-Burn Rehabilitation
- Prevent contractures and deformities
- Promote functional independence
- Improve cosmetic appearance
- Enhance quality of life
- Support psychological recovery
Physiotherapy management
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in post-burn rehabilitation by restoring physical function, preventing complications like joint stiffness or contractures, and improving the overall quality of life.
Goals of Physiotherapy in Burn Rehabilitation
- Prevent or correct contractures and deformities
- Maintain and restore joint range of motion (ROM)
- Improve muscle strength and endurance
- Promote functional independence
- Reduce pain and swelling
- Enhance scar mobility and pliability
Phases of Physiotherapy in Burn Rehabilitation
1. Acute Phase (First 0–7 Days Post-Burn or During Hospitalization)
Goals:
- Maintain ROM
- Prevent complications (e.g., pneumonia, bed sores)
- Manage edema
Interventions:
- Positioning: Proper limb positioning to prevent contractures
- Passive ROM exercises: Done by the therapist if the patient cannot move actively
- Chest physiotherapy: To prevent respiratory complications
- Splinting: Static splints to maintain joint positions
- Pain management support: Coordinate timing of therapy with pain medication
2. Subacute Phase (Wound Healing Ongoing)
Goals:
- Increase active participation in movement
- Minimize scar-related complications
- Begin re-education in functional activities
Interventions:
- Active-assisted and active Rom exercises
- Stretching exercises: For tight or healing tissues
- Strengthening exercises: Gradual resistance training
- Scar massage: To improve tissue flexibility
- Mobility training: Bed mobility, transfers, walking (with or without assistive devices)
3. Long-Term Phase (After Wound Closure and Discharge)
Goals:
- Maximize functional independence
- Return to work/school/daily life
- Long-term scar management
Interventions:
- Advanced strengthening and endurance training
- Balance and coordination exercises
- Functional task training
- Use of pressure garments and splints
- Community reintegration exercise
Q1: When does post-burn rehabilitation begin?
Post-burn rehabilitation begins as soon as the patient is medically stable and continues long after wound closure.
Q2: What are two key goals of physiotherapy in burn rehabilitation?
Two key goals are to prevent or correct contractures and maintain or restore joint range of motion (ROM).
Q3: What interventions are used during the acute phase of burn rehabilitation?
Interventions include proper positioning, passive ROM exercises, chest physiotherapy, splinting, and pain management support.