Overview
Burn injuries, particularly circumferential upper arm burns, present significant challenges in rehabilitation due to their impact on pain management, muscle strength, and overall functional abilities. These injuries can lead to severe scarring and contractures, which further complicate the recovery process and affect the patient's quality of life. Traditional rehabilitation approaches often fall short in addressing the multifaceted needs of burn survivors, necessitating the exploration of innovative therapeutic techniques.
Description
Russian current, a form of electrical stimulation, has been extensively utilized in physical therapy to enhance muscle strength and reduce muscle atrophy. Its application in burn rehabilitation is promising due to its ability to stimulate muscle contractions, thereby aiding in maintaining muscle mass and strength. When applied to patients with circumferential upper arm burns, Russian current can potentially mitigate the decline in muscle function while alleviating pain. This method not only supports the physical recovery process but also contributes to improved overall patient well-being by reducing discomfort and enhancing functional capabilities.
Muscle energy techniques (MET), on the other hand, are manual therapy interventions designed to improve muscular flexibility and range of motion. By engaging the patient's own muscle contractions against a counterforce, MET can effectively reduce muscle tightness and improve joint function. When integrated with Russian current, MET can offer a comprehensive rehabilitation strategy for patients with upper arm burns. This cross-training approach aims to synergistically improve outcomes by addressing pain management, muscle strength recovery, and functional disability reduction, ultimately leading to a more holistic recovery process for burn survivors.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Age between 20 and 60 years,
- Unilateral circumferential elbow and upper arm burn requiring rehabilitation,
- Medical stability for physical therapy interventions,
- The ability to provide informed consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- Neurological disorders, severe cognitive impairment, contraindications to electrical stimulation,
- Recent upper limb surgery
- Pregnant