Wound Care

Physical therapists are on the front lines of wound management in many healthcare settings, and treat patients during the most critical stages of wound care and healing. They possess in-depth knowledge of anatomy and tissue healing as well as mobility and positioning expertise. Specially trained physical therapists provide wound care to patients in the outpatient setting utilizing the most current and advanced wound care protocols.

Piedmont’s wound care therapist will work closely with your medical team to provide the most effective and efficient treatment for your wound.

Who would benefit from physical therapy wound care?

Physical therapy wound care is for patients who have open wounds as a result of pressure, vascular insufficiency, trauma, surgery, and/or diabetes.

The most common wounds that are treated by wound care physical therapists are:

Necrotic wounds
Mild to moderate complex wounds
Diabetic wounds
Chronic wounds
Venous and/or arterial wounds
Extremity wounds with edema
Non-healing surgical wounds

Physical Therapy for Diabetes — Infected wound of diabetic foot

What does physical therapy wound care involve?

Patients must be referred by their provider to physical therapy wound care.

Physical therapy wound care begins with a comprehensive evaluation and development of an individualized care plan. Common treatment approaches can include:

Measurement and documentation of the wound characteristics
Cleaning of the wound
Debridement (removal) of any dead tissue, up to and including scalpel, scissors, pick-ups and Silver Nitrate sticks for cauterization
Selection and application of wound dressing
Application of compression if necessary
Education of the patient, caregivers and/or family members regarding wound care and dressing changes
Exercise and mobility education and provision of a home exercise program (HEP)
Coordination of care with Orthotics and Prosthetic vendors for specialized off-loading devices, shoes and positioning devices.

Available treatment modalities may include:

Ultrasound therapy
Electrical stimulation
Selective sharp debridement
Compression therapy
Home use electrical stimulation units (TENs or IFES for neuropathy)

How long will physical therapy wound care take?

All wounds heal at different rates and the duration of therapy will be based on the patient’s individual needs. Depending on the type of wound and amount of care needed, the patient may be seen one->three times a week in the physical therapy clinic. The duration of treatment can vary from weeks->several months.
Your wound care therapist will work with your medical team to adapt treatment to maximize wound healing.

Schedule an appointment today by calling (540)-359-8000

See our other Medical Services