A burn injury occurs when skin and underlying tissues are damaged by exposure to harmful agents such as heat, hot liquids, flames, chemicals, electricity, radiation, or friction. Burns can range from minor superficial injuries to severe, life-threatening conditions affecting large areas of the body.

The skin serves as a protective barrier, helping regulate temperature, prevent infection, and maintain hydration. When the skin is damaged by a burn, these essential functions may be compromised.

Beyond the initial injury, burn survivors may experience:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Scar formation
• Joint stiffness
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced mobility
• Emotional and psychological challenges

Early and ongoing rehabilitation is critical to achieving the best possible recovery.

At Magnum Physiotherapy, our burn rehabilitation programs focus on restoring movement, improving function, preventing complications, and supporting long-term recovery.

Anatomy Involved

Skin Layers

Epidermis

The outer protective layer of the skin.

Dermis

Contains:

• Blood vessels
• Nerves
• Hair follicles
• Sweat glands

Subcutaneous Tissue

The deeper layer containing:

• Fat
• Connective tissue

Severe burns may extend into muscles, tendons, nerves, and bones.

Types of Burns

Thermal Burns

Caused by:

• Fire
• Hot liquids (scalds)
• Steam
• Hot objects

Chemical Burns

Caused by exposure to:

• Acids
• Alkalis
• Industrial chemicals

Electrical Burns

Result from electrical current passing through the body.

May cause significant internal tissue damage.

Radiation Burns

Often caused by:

• Sun exposure
• Radiation therapy

Friction Burns

Occur when skin rubs against a surface.

Examples include:

• Road rash
• Sports-related friction injuries

Burn Classification

First-Degree (Superficial) Burns

Affect only the epidermis.

Symptoms

• Redness
• Mild swelling
• Pain

Example:

• Mild sunburn

Second-Degree (Partial Thickness) Burns

Affect the epidermis and part of the dermis.

Symptoms

• Blistering
• Severe pain
• Swelling
• Moist wound appearance

Third-Degree (Full Thickness) Burns

Destroy the entire thickness of the skin.

Symptoms

• White, brown, or charred appearance
• Reduced sensation due to nerve damage
• Severe tissue destruction

Fourth-Degree Burns

Extend into:

• Muscle
• Tendons
• Bone

These are severe injuries requiring specialized medical care.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms depend on burn severity and location.

May include:

• Pain
• Redness
• Blisters
• Swelling
• Skin discoloration
• Open wounds
• Stiffness
• Scar formation
• Weakness
• Reduced mobility

Complications of Burn Injuries

Potential complications include:

• Infection
• Dehydration
• Scar formation
• Contractures
• Chronic pain
• Reduced joint mobility
• Muscle wasting
• Psychological distress

Diagnosis

Medical assessment includes:

Physical Examination

Evaluation of:

• Burn depth
• Burn size
• Location
• Associated injuries

Burn Surface Area Assessment

Often measured using:

• Rule of Nines
• Lund-Browder Chart

Additional testing may be required for severe burns.

At Magnum Physiotherapy, we assess:

• Range of motion
• Strength
• Functional mobility
• Scar tissue development
• Activity limitations

Medical Management

Treatment varies depending on burn severity.

Acute Care May Include

• Wound care
• Pain management
• Infection prevention
• Fluid replacement
• Skin grafting procedures

Severe burns often require multidisciplinary care.

Physiotherapy Treatment at Magnum Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy begins as early as medically appropriate and continues throughout recovery.

Early Rehabilitation

Goals

• Prevent stiffness
• Maintain mobility
• Reduce swelling
• Preserve muscle function

Interventions

• Positioning strategies
• Gentle range of motion exercises
• Mobility training

Contracture Prevention

Burn scars can tighten and restrict movement.

Physiotherapy Focuses On

• Stretching programs
• Splinting recommendations
• Joint mobility exercises

Scar Management

As healing progresses:

Treatments May Include

• Scar massage
• Silicone therapy guidance
• Compression garment education
• Soft tissue mobilization

Strengthening Programs

Designed to address:

• Muscle weakness
• Deconditioning
• Functional limitations

Exercises are progressed gradually based on healing.

Functional Rehabilitation

Focuses on restoring:

• Walking ability
• Balance
• Upper limb function
• Daily living skills
• Work-related activities

Post-Surgical Burn Rehabilitation

Following:

• Skin grafting
• Reconstructive surgery

Physiotherapy helps restore movement and function while protecting healing tissues.

Advanced Physiotherapy Treatments

Depending on individual needs:

• Manual Therapy
• Soft Tissue Mobilization
• Scar Tissue Management
• Therapeutic Exercise Programs
• Functional Mobility Training
• Balance & Coordination Training

Benefits of Physiotherapy After Burns

• Prevents contractures
• Improves joint mobility
• Enhances flexibility
• Builds strength
• Promotes functional independence
• Improves scar mobility
• Reduces stiffness
• Improves balance and coordination
• Supports return to work and activities
• Enhances overall quality of life

Recovery & Prognosis

Recovery varies depending on:

• Burn depth
• Burn size
• Location
• Medical treatment
• Participation in rehabilitation

General Recovery Expectations

Minor Burns

• Days to weeks

Moderate Burns

• Several weeks to months

Severe Burns

• Months to years of rehabilitation

Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.

Prevention Tips

• Practice fire safety
• Use caution around hot liquids
• Wear protective equipment when handling chemicals
• Follow workplace safety procedures
• Use sun protection
• Keep electrical systems properly maintained

When Should You Seek Immediate Medical Attention?

Seek urgent medical care for:

• Large burns
• Deep burns
• Electrical burns
• Chemical burns
• Burns involving the face, hands, feet, genitals, or major joints
• Signs of infection
• Difficulty breathing following a burn injury

Immediate treatment is critical for severe burns.

Why Choose Magnum Physiotherapy?

At Magnum Physiotherapy, we provide comprehensive burn rehabilitation services designed to maximize recovery and restore function. Our individualized treatment programs focus on mobility, strength, scar management, contracture prevention, and functional independence to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes after burn injuries.