You may need physical and/or occupational therapy after discharge from the Burn Center. Your burn care team will assist you in arranging outpatient therapy prior to discharge, or during your outpatient Burn Clinic appointment.
Splints
If you need splints for your arms and/or legs, your therapist will specifically fit you for them. They need to be worn as instructed in order to prevent deformity and muscle tightness.
Your splints must be washed in cold water every day using a mild soap. The splint must be re-applied only when completely dry. If you notice any red, blistered areas or tingling, numbness or abnormal sensations while wearing your splint, remove the splint from the affected area and contact your therapist immediately at 410-550-0754. Each patient’s discharge needs are individualized; appropriate handouts will be given to you prior to discharge.
Exercise
While you were in the hospital, your rehabilitation therapists gave you specific exercises to do. It is important to continue these exercises when you get home. It is also important to gradually increase your activities at home. Your therapist and physicians will monitor your progress in Burn Clinic.
It’s okay to wear your compression garments when you exercise. Make sure that you do the exercises slowly and smoothly. Try not to hold your breath when you exercise. If the garment binds or hurts when exercising, talk to your therapist.
Home Activities
Remember to do as much for yourself as you can. Avoid activities that can get your burn dirty, like working in the garden or yard. Also, avoid activities where your burn or graft may get rubbed or pushed too hard, like contact sports (football). Avoid household chemicals like ammonia, bleach, tile cleaners, etc.
It is also time to start thinking about getting back to work. Discuss this with your doctor. Remember, during the first few weeks at home you will easily become tired and need to rest.
You may need physical and/or occupational therapy after discharge from the Burn Center. Your burn care team will assist you in arranging outpatient therapy prior to discharge, or during your outpatient Burn Clinic appointment.
Splints
If you need splints for your arms and/or legs, your therapist will specifically fit you for them. They need to be worn as instructed in order to prevent deformity and muscle tightness.
Your splints must be washed in cold water every day using a mild soap. The splint must be re-applied only when completely dry. If you notice any red, blistered areas or tingling, numbness or abnormal sensations while wearing your splint, remove the splint from the affected area and contact your therapist immediately at 410-550-0754. Each patient’s discharge needs are individualized; appropriate handouts will be given to you prior to discharge.
Exercise
While you were in the hospital, your rehabilitation therapists gave you specific exercises to do. It is important to continue these exercises when you get home. It is also important to gradually increase your activities at home. Your therapist and physicians will monitor your progress in Burn Clinic.
It’s okay to wear your compression garments when you exercise. Make sure that you do the exercises slowly and smoothly. Try not to hold your breath when you exercise. If the garment binds or hurts when exercising, talk to your therapist.
Home Activities
Remember to do as much for yourself as you can. Avoid activities that can get your burn dirty, like working in the garden or yard. Also, avoid activities where your burn or graft may get rubbed or pushed too hard, like contact sports (football). Avoid household chemicals like ammonia, bleach, tile cleaners, etc.
It is also time to start thinking about getting back to work. Discuss this with your doctor. Remember, during the first few weeks at home you will easily become tired and need to rest.
