Wound Management

Jazmine corona
What are wounds ?
• A wound is any damage or
break in the skin or other
body tissues.
• They include cuts, scrapes,
scratches, and punctured skin.
• They can be minor to life-
threatening.
• Wounds affect more than 1
million people every year.
• You should seek attention if
the wound is deep, or to
prevent a future infection.
 Risk Factors
• Here are some risk factors that
can lead a wound into
becoming chronic.
• Circulation problems
• Infection
• Aging
• Arthritis
• Diabetes
• Hyperglycemia
• Smoking
• Malnutrition and diet
Signs & Symptoms
• Some wounds can be quite
painful, or some may not hurt at
all. It is important for those who
are diabetic and older adults, or
anyone in general who doesn’t
move much to have regular close
visual skin inspections. During
inspections you or your caregiver
should look out for.
• Breaks in the skin
• Drainage
• Changes in skin color
• New feelings of pain or a
painful area [ even if its not an
open wound.]
• Temperature changes where
one area of the skin feels
warmer to touch.
 Three Stages Of Wound
Healing
• Inflammatory Phase : The inflammatory phase is
basically the body producing a natural response. The
cells create swelling, heat, pain, and redness or “
inflammation “.
• Proliferation Phase : The proliferation phase is where
the wound is rebuilt. The wound contracts new blood
vessels, the tissue is usually a pink or red tone. Near the
end of this stage, new skin cells resurface the injury.
• Maturation Phase : The wound is now fully closed and
the scar begins to fade. “ Remodeling “ usually begins 21
days after an injury. The heal wound area will always be
weaker than the uninjured skin regaining only 80% of the
original strength.
 Wound Care
Certification & Why it’s
Important !
• As we all know a PTA can also
become certified in wound care.
Statistics show a shortage in
nurses, which is where physical
therapy comes in and play an
integral part in wound care to help
ease the burden of shortage in
nurses. Some benefits include
recognition and respect, that can
come from professional colleagues
who understand the time and
dedication required in wound care.
Greater respect comes from
patients and families, being able to
be part of a patients healing
process, and being the reason why
they have come so far is an
important reason why you should
become certified in wound care.
How Can a Physical
Therapist Help ?
• A physical therapist can
become skilled in managing all
types of wounds, they can
design a treatment program that
can meet your needs and goals.
It can include
• Patient education
• Strengthening, and mobility
exercises
• Wound care
• Caregiver training
• Physical therapists may train
family members or caregivers
when you’re unable to perform
these tasks on your own.
 Why Physical
Therapy Can Help
The Healing
Process !
• Physical activity can promote
rapid wound healing.
• It is proven to reduce
inflammation, which is one of
the major causes why healing is
delayed.
• When inflammation is reduced it
can decrease pain and discomfort
on the wound.
• Exercise can also benefit mental
health, which is important for
those who are in long-term care
or have a longer hospital stay.
 References

• https://www.choosept.com/guide/physical-
therapy-guide-wounds-wound-care
• https://www.woundcareinc.com/resources/
factors-that-affect-wound-healing