Every year, millions of Americans develop chronic wounds, or wounds that the body can't heal well on its own devices, according to the Ohio State University Medical Center. Fortunately, a rehab program can help treat your wound and provide you with resources that can reduce your risk of developing future wounds.
When Rehab is Needed
Any wound that hasn't shown any healing improvement within three to four weeks may require rehab, according to the O'Connor Hospital website. Wounds that commonly require medical intervention are diabetic foot wounds, venous ulcers in the legs, postsurgical wounds, bedsores and autoimmune wounds. You are more likely to develop a chronic wound that requires rehab if you are elderly, have an infection, experience blood flow problems, are diabetic, are obese or smoke regularly.
Rehab Team
Wound rehab teams consist of various medical professionals that address different areas of the healing process. Depending on your individual needs, your team may consist of an infectious disease specialist, podiatrist, surgeon, physical therapist, nurses, medical assistants and a nurse case manager. You will likely check in with a primary physician on a weekly basis to assess your progress.
Plan of Action
You will undergo an initial evaluation that includes a physical, medical history review, evaluation of your wound and some testing before your rehab team comes up with a treatment plan for you. Once your doctor assesses you, she may set up consultations with specialists and order out-of-office diagnostic tests such as blood work and ultrasound, according to the Baptist Memorial Health Care website. The course of your rehab program depends on the type of wound you have. If you have a diabetic ulcer, for example, your rehab may involve cleaning the wound, removing pressure from the affected area, removing dead tissue, applying medications or dressings and managing your blood sugar.
Other Rehab Interventions
Your doctor may recommend medications, prescribe a special diet and call for extra therapies to help your rehab go as smoothly as possible. For example, he may call for an antibiotic to quickly get rid of infection or recommend that you take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as naproxen, to reduce pain during procedures such as dressing changes and dead tissue removal. He may also prescribe a dietary supplement and recommend that you eat a high-protein diet and increase your intake of nutritious foods such as vitamins and minerals to promote healing. Depending on the type of sore you have, your doctor may also recommend hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This therapy involves sitting in a room with increased air pressure, which boosts your blood's oxygen saturation levels and initiates your body's release of skin healing substances such as stem cells and growth factors, according to MayoClinic.com.
