All physical therapists are qualified through higher education, clinical experience, and licensure to evaluate, diagnose, and treat a variety of symptoms and conditions. Many choose to focus their practice on a specific area or patient group and obtain advanced knowledge and experience in physical therapy specialty areas. Some attend residency programs, obtain board-certification, or go on to participate in fellowship programs. Learn more about these advanced learning pathways in physical therapy specialty areas.
Physical therapy can play a significant role in wound care. Physical therapists who focus on or specialize in wound management evaluate their patients' needs and apply therapeutic methods and techniques to enhance blood or lymph fluid circulation and help create an optimal environment for wound healing.
Physical therapists are trained to perform wound healing procedures and other treatments to help their patients maintain the integrity of their skin and lymphatic system.
Physical therapists who provide wound management are often found in acute care (hospital or inpatient) settings to provide evaluation and treatment to patients with severe burns, traumatic injuries, nonhealing wounds, and postsurgical wounds. They also help patients with critical illnesses and injuries who are at risk for pressure ulcers and skin organ failure. PTs provide wound management services in these settings:
- Hospitals and inpatient rehabilitation facilities.
- Outpatient clinics.
- Skilled nursing or long-term care facilities.
- Homes.
Wound care may be needed for patients with:
- Pressure injuries (sometimes called bed sores or pressure wounds).
- Diabetes.
- Vascular insufficiency (when your leg veins can't manage blood flow properly).
Looking for a physical therapist who focuses on or specializes in wound management or regularly treats patients with conditions that may cause wounds or skin integrity problems? The American Physical Therapy Association provides Find a PT to help you search for a physical therapist with these and other credentials near you.
Physical therapists are movement experts. They improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement. You can see a physical therapist without a physician's referral for evaluation and treatment.*
Learn about the physical therapy board certification in wound management.
*Insurance and corporate policies or state laws may still require a physician's referral or limit treatment scope and duration without a referral. Insurance policies also may limit you to in-network providers.
