Burn Physiotherapy

Original Editor - Carin Hunter based on the course by ReLab
Top Contributors - Carin Hunter, Kim Jackson and Nupur Smit Shah

Rehabilitation Post Burn Injury

Significant improvements in the medical and surgical management of burns has occurred  in the last century. Increased survival rates mean that focus is turning to achieving  optimal functional outcomes.

∙ Burn survivors often suffer from

o permanent scarring, reduced range of motion, weakness, and impaired  functional capacity

o psychological and social problems, which significantly affect their ability to  resume their normal activities post discharge  

∙ Rehabilitation requires a prolonged, dedicated and multidisciplinary effort to optimise  patient outcomes, as inpatients and outpatients.

(Schneider et al 2012; Disseldorp et al 2007; Esselman, 2007)

The aims of the multidisciplinary rehabilitation of a burn include:

∙ Prevention of additional/deeper injuries

∙ Rapid wound closure

∙ Preservation of active and passive ROM

∙ Prevention of infection

∙ Prevention of loss of functional structures

∙ Early functional rehabilitation (Kamolz et al 2009) The physiotherapist may only have a role in achieving some of these goals. ∙ Above all cause no harm.  

Early initiation of rehabilitation is essential to maximise functional outcomes for the patient  

∙ The pain and psychological distress of a burn has a massive impact on compliance o An empathetic, encouraging and understanding approach is necessary  ∙ The urgency and importance of beginning early rehabilitation should be  communicated in a clear but gentle manner (Procter 2010).