An unusual example of complex wound care with physical therapy treatments – a case report

Background
Abnormalities in the healing process contribute to atypical scar formation, leading to consequences such as hypertrophic scars or keloids, pain, sensory disturbances, contractures, and other functional disorders. Additionally, the unsightly appearance of a scar can significantly impact the patient's mental health and overall quality of life. Various treatments exist to mitigate scarring and influence its integration, with combination therapies proving to be the most effective in addressing these multifaceted issues.

Aims
This paper aims to present a case study involving a patient with a post-traumatic hand scar who sought treatment at the Clinical Unit of Physiotherapy in the Clinical Mental Health Hospital in Rybnik, Poland.

Case Report
The study involved a 47-year-old man who experienced a work-related hand injury in August 2022. Over a span of six months, he underwent physical therapy modalities, hand exercises, and other therapeutic interventions three to five times a week. To assess the effectiveness of the interventions, measurements of the flexor muscles of the forearm were taken using a hand dynamometer before and after the therapeutic sessions. Notable improvements in wound healing, scar reduction, and muscle strength were observed following a series of treatments and exercises.

Summary
This case report underscores the effectiveness of complex wound care combined with physical therapy treatments in influencing scar formation. Nevertheless, further clinical trials are warranted to validate the efficacy of the proposed physiotherapeutic methods.