Therapy exercises after a neck burn injury

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

A contracture is a lack of movement at the joint and this will happen if it is not exercised regularly leading to the joint becoming stiff and limiting your everyday activities. It is always better to prevent a joint contracture from occurring than it is to treat it.

If a contracture develops, another surgery may be needed.

What should I do?

During your treatment you will have carried out some exercises with the therapist. It is very important that you continue your exercises at home.

These should be carried out little and often throughout the day to prevent stiffness. We would advise you to carry on with hobbies as discussed with your therapist as these will help to improve movement. When your burn wound has healed, as advised, use an unperfumed cream to moisturise and massage the area 2 to 3 times a day to keep your skin supple which will help with your stretches at home. It is very important that the old cream is washed off before applying more.

Exercises

Complete exercises sitting with your back straight, in a supported chair.

Exercise 1

Bend your head backwards as far as you can. With your hand push your chin as far back as possible. Keep your mouth closed while you do this exercise.

Hold this position for seconds, then relax your neck.

Repeat times.

Exercise 2

Clasp your hands behind your head and bend your neck forwards. Use your hands to pull your head further forwards.

Hold this position for seconds, then relax your neck.

Repeat times.

Exercise 3

Turn your head to one side, aim to look over your shoulder. Using your hand push your head further round.

Hold this position for seconds, then relax your neck.

Repeat this exercise turning your head to the opposite side.

Repeat times to each side.

Exercise 4

Tilt your head towards one shoulder. Using your hand pull your head further to the side.

Hold this position for seconds, then relax your neck.

Repeat this exercise tilting your head to the opposite side.

Repeat times to each side.

Exercise 5

Pull your chin in, keeping your neck and back straight. Do not tilt your chin forwards. Using your hand push your chin backwards in a straight line.

Hold this position for seconds, then relax your neck.

Repeat times.