Wound Healing and Pain Reduction

This 59-year-old gentleman was referred to a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation services following an extended hospitalization due to multiple medical issues. He presented with sepsis (infection) and a stage IV (full thickness tissue loss) sacral (base of the spine) pressure ulcer following left above knee amputation surgery. Prior to hospitalization, he lived with his sister in a 2-story home and was independent with all functional mobility.

Physical Therapy: (5x/week x 16 weeks)

OmniSWD® Shortwave Diathermy System

• Subthermal diathermy over the sacrum to improve local blood circulation and promote tissue healing

OmniCycle® Elite Therapeutic Exercise System

• Right lower extremity cycling to improve strength and muscular endurance of the intact leg

Additional Interventions

• Transfer training, therapeutic exercise, balance re-education, prosthetic training, and gait

OmniSWD®
Shortwave Diathermy System

OmniCycle®
Elite Motorized Therapeutic
Exercise System

This gentleman and his family are thrilled with the outcomes of his therapy! Due to the significant healing of his wound, he has returned home with home care services to continue his wound care. His therapist feels the addition of diathermy to his wound healing program accelerated the rate of healing allowing him to return home. He is also in the process of getting his prosthesis fit so he can begin prosthetic training and start walking again.

Authors:
Andreé Akst, PT, MPT, CEEAA, NASM-CES, Clinical Services Content Specialist
Manda Hobbs, MSPT, CWS, Clinical Program Consultant

PSS-00027