The Wound-Function Cycle: The Forgotten Aspect of Wound Care

Course Description

Moderator/Speaker: Renee Cordrey, PT, PhD(c), MSPT, MPH, CWS
Speaker: Stephanie Woelfel, PT, DPT, CWS, FACCWS

People who have chronic wounds often have functional impairments, which may have contributed to the wound’s formation and slow healing, or are a result of the wound and its treatments. Balance and gait patterns are altered by footwear, the calf muscle pump affects venous return, activity is associated with neuropathic ulcer risk, mobility affects one’s ability to use
footwear or compression, and muscle function is lost when a wound extends into the muscle or when a myocutaneous flap is done. When implementing an intervention that can affect function, providers should be aware of and address that risk, while identifying the functional impairments that may contribute to the ulcer’s healing or recurrence.