This early rehabilitation phase can be as important as the initial efforts to save the person's life. Working with scarring is a major focus of burn rehabilitation. Scarring limits movement and will continue to exert forces that oppose normal movement and function. When a large open area still exists, this may not be possible and may need to be delayed until skin grafting has taken place. The type of pressure therapy needs to be customized for the patient's individual needs.
Ace wraps are inexpensive and can be placed over wound dressings with varying degrees of pressure.
Coban wraps are less bulky and come in varying sizes that allow you to more accurately control the amount of pressure. They come in a variety of sizes that allow the therapist to apply pressure to limited or small areas such as individual fingers. They are expensive, and their success depends greatly on an accurate fit and convincing the patient that strict compliance with their wearing schedule is critical to success. Pressure therapy may continue for up to two years and is continued until the patient's skin is no longer pink in color. While the occupational therapist is focusing on skin and scar management, the physical therapist starts the exercise program.