Therapy exercises after a burn to the torso

It is important to continue to exercise your joints after a burn injury. If the skin over or near a joint has been damaged by a burn, it can become tight and eventually contract.

A contracture is a lack of movement at a joint and this will happen if the exercises are not done regularly. This could lead to the joint becoming stiff and limiting your everyday activities. It is better to treat the injury before a contracture occurs as this can be difficult and surgery may be required.

What exercises should I do?

During your visit you will do some exercises with the therapist. It is important that you continue these at home.

Your exercises need to be carried out little and often through the day to prevent stiffness. It’s really important to continue doing normal activities such as washing and dressing.

Exercises

Torso flexion

Sitting on a chair or bench with a straight back slowly bend forwards tucking your arms into your chest. Go as far as you can.

Hold this position for seconds, then relax and return to the start position.

Repeat times.

Torso extension

Lying on your stomach, keep your hips on the floor. Lean in to your forearms and look straight ahead. If this is too easy you can push up onto your hands. Throughout this exercise you must keep your hips on the floor.

Hold this position for seconds, then relax and return to the start position.

Repeat times.

Torso rotation

Sit on a chair with a straight back. Twist to the left. You can hold the back of the chair with your left arm if you want to.

Hold this position for seconds.

Then relax and return to the start position. Repeat on the right side, holding the chair with the right arm if you want to.

Hold this position for seconds, then relax and return to the start position.

Repeat times.

Torso side flexion

Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet on a flat surface. Try to touch your right ankle or heel with your right hand. Do not let your back lift off the floor.

Hold this position for seconds.

Then relax and return to the start position. Repeat this on your left side.

Repeat times.

Torso side flexion while standing

Stand up against a wall with a straight back. Slowly lean to the right running your hand down your right leg. Do not lean forwards or twist.

Hold this position for seconds.

Then relax and return to the start position. Repeat this on your left side.

Repeat times.