Effectiveness of physiotherapy in improving range and functional activities in a patient with superficial burns of bilateral upper limbs

Nikita Gudade, Rakesh Krishna Kovela*, Mohammed Irshad Qureshi

Ravi Nair Physiotherapy College, Datta Meghe Institute of Medical Sciences, Wardha, Maharashtra, India

ABSTRACT

Thermal injury is a common upper extremity trauma that often affects young males from the working class. It is notoriously difficult to determine the depth of thermal injury to the upper extremity and requires serial evaluation over time to predict the time of healing most accurately. Early mobilization is the most effective treatment option for restoring function and minimizing any of the many potential complications most commonly associated with superficial burns and prolonged healing periods. In the present case report a 34-year-old working female caught fire accidentally during her office work. Both upper limbs were affected. Initial medical management was given and prevented complications such as infection and necrosis. Physiotherapy was suggested to improve the decreased range of motion. She underwent treatment for 4 weeks concentrating on range and functional activities. There was a tremendous improvement in her active range of shoulder, elbow, wrist and finger movements bilaterally. Thus, we would like to conclude that early physiotherapy an appropriate decision making helps in the rapid recovery of burns patients.

Keywords:

Burns, Upper Limbs, Functional Activities, Range of Motion, Early Management