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Why is physical therapy important during recovery from extensive burns?

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Cross-section diagram of human skin showing burn depth by degree, with arrows indicating that first-degree burns affect only the epidermis, second-degree burns reach the dermis, third-degree burns extend into subcutaneous tissue, and fourth-degree burns penetrate to muscle. — burn This diagram shows how burn injuries are classified by severity. First-degree burns damage the outer skin, known as the epidermis. First-degree burns are the least severe form of burn injury. Second-degree burns damage the outer skin and some of the underlying skin, known as the dermis, which also includes some connective tissue. Third-degree burns damage all the layers of skin, including subcutaneous tissue. Fourth-degree burns, which are the most severe, destroy every layer of skin and also damage muscle, tendons, and bones.

Physical therapy is a critical component of recovery for patients with extensive burns, primarily because it is essential for regaining or maintaining mobility in damaged joints.1

Following severe burn injuries, patients often face a long, painful process of physical therapy to prevent the development of disabling contractures—the permanent tightening of scar tissue, muscles, and tendons over joints. By encouraging movement, physical therapy helps reduce the formation of these restrictive scars, which can otherwise lead to significant physical impairment.12

Because this rehabilitation process can be physically demanding, it is often associated with increased pain, requiring burn centers to employ various pain management strategies, such as intravenous medication or anesthesia, to ensure patients can participate in their necessary exercises. Ultimately, while the recovery journey is often traumatic and may require years of effort, consistent physical therapy is vital for helping survivors maintain function and lead productive lives.21