Scribd
Upload
224 views2 pages

Ot Role Burns

Occupational therapists assist burn patients by managing swelling and scarring to optimize function and cosmetic results. They apply compression bandages, support joints, and encourage movement to reduce swelling. To manage scarring, they apply compression garments, use silicone products, perform scar massage, and use splinting. Occupational therapists also focus on returning patients' upper limb function through range of motion exercises and retraining activities of daily living. Their overall goal is to maximize patients' independence through functional rehabilitation and assistive devices.

Uploaded by

gelbernalotrp
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
224 views2 pages

Ot Role Burns

Occupational therapists assist burn patients by managing swelling and scarring to optimize function and cosmetic results. They apply compression bandages, support joints, and encourage movement to reduce swelling. To manage scarring, they apply compression garments, use silicone products, perform scar massage, and use splinting. Occupational therapists also focus on returning patients' upper limb function through range of motion exercises and retraining activities of daily living. Their overall goal is to maximize patients' independence through functional rehabilitation and assistive devices.

Uploaded by

gelbernalotrp
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service

fact sheet
Allied Health

Role of Occupational Therapy in burns


Occupational therapists
Occupational therapists are members of the Allied Health team who specialise in assisting patients to have optimal
cosmetic results and optimal return to function.

Oedema (swelling) management


Oedema often occurs after tissue injuries. This can limit wound healing, joint movement and function. The Occupational
Therapist assists in managing oedema by:
• Applying compression using bandages or garments
• Supporting and elevating swollen joints
• Encouraging movement in daily tasks.

Scar management
Burns often result in scarring which may become thick, tight and discoloured. This may cause pain, restricted movement
and psychological distress. The Occupational Therapist will assist to manage your scars by:
• Applying compression bandages or garments
• Using silicone products
• Using scar massage.
• Splinting.

Functional upper limb therapy


Occupational Therapy for upper limb burns aims to maximise your independence in activities of daily living. Assessment
and treatment with the Occupational Therapist may include:
• Joint range of movement, sensation and strength
• Grasp and release, fine motor control, and object manipulation focusing on daily activities (e.g. writing, eating,
dressing)
• Activities of daily living retraining using assistive devices where necessary.

Occupational therapy may also address:


• Burn skin hypersensitivity
• Cognition/thinking ability
• Assistive equipment for safety and independence
• Home environment assessment and modifications For more information phone your therapist:
Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service
• Corrective cosmetics
Allied Health Department
2015/729

• Return to work or school and driving. 07 5470 6747


• Referral to other specialist services as required.
Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service

fact sheet
For more information phone your therapist:
Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service
Allied Health Department
07 5470 6747

w www. health.qld.gov.au/sunshinecoast © State of Queensland (Department of Health) 2015


http://creativecommons.org/licences/by/3.0/au/deed. This
2015/729

factsheet used with permission Royal Brisbane and Women’s


www.facebook.com/ Sunshine-Coast-
Hospital Adult Burns Unit.
Hospital-and-Health-Service

You might also like