Rehabilitation after Treatment

Depending upon the location of the bedsore, physical therapy may be required after healing in order to restore a full range of motion and mobility to the affected individual. If mobility was an issue before the development of the bedsore, then continual adjustments in treatment may be necessary in order to prevent a recurrence of the bedsore. Anyone who has suffered from a bedsore in the past is an increased risk for developing another bedsore if preventive measures are not continually practiced.

The continual recovery from bedsores can require lasting adjustments to routines, medications, and other aspects of care. You can expect that there will be necessary, permanent changes to the diet in order to incorporate necessary nutrients, as well as protein and other essential dietary needs. If your loved one was placed on a feeding tube or given nutrients intravenously, it may be necessary to continue to do so in order to maintain an optimal level of nutrition.

If your loved one is only temporarily bedridden, such as in the case of aftercare due to surgery, some aspects of rehabilitation and recovery may only be temporary. For example, if your loved one regains the ability to change his or her position regularly without assistance, specialized bedding and other materials may not be required in order to minimize pressure on various areas of the body. In many cases, the level of aftercare required once a bedsore is healed depends greatly upon the patient’s sensory perceptions, cognition, and ability to move unassisted.

A combination of physical therapy, nutritional therapy, and adjustments with regards to bathing, skin care, and bedding may all contribute to part of the rehabilitation process as your loved one readjusts to full mobility and healing. Emotional support is also important, as many individuals find bedsores to be a source of embarrassment and stress. Recovery and rehabilitation, therefore, should take the same multifaceted approach as prevention and treatment.