Chronic non-healing wounds affect millions around the world. Wounds are expected to heal naturally in a set amount of time for healthy individuals but diseases and inactivity can significantly delay wound healing. There are versatile dressings and methods tailored for specific types of wounds in different phases of wound healing but some factors still affect how the body responds to wounds.
High levels of inflammation delay wound healing, while aging and comorbidities contribute to prolonged increased inflammation. Impaired wound healing causes increased pain and suffering for the elderly, decreasing mobility, which further exacerbates inactivity and other existing diseases. In addition to normal aging, prolonged psychological and physical stress can severely delay wound healing.
According to studies, physical activity can help accelerate the wound-healing process by as much as 25 percent. Research has continually shown that physical activity can help accelerate wound healing by boosting the immune system and producing anti-inflammatory properties that build and repair tissue.
As exercise improves the cardiorespiratory system, it helps increase oxygen consumption and exercise duration. Continued exercise in the wound healing period also results in increased cortisol secretion which helps with regulating the body’s response to stress including:
WOUND HEALING POST-SURGERY
Most people find it difficult to be physically active post-operatively for many valid reasons including avoiding surgical incision dehiscence. Nonetheless, your surgeon will recommend easing into being active starting with walking when able as it can help wounds heal faster by improving blood flow and circulation to the area. When there is increased blood flow, the blood cells containing oxygen and other nutrients reach your healing tissues faster and while circulation is stimulated, post-surgical blood clots are prevented.
Simple walking or activities allowed by your surgeon help build strength and endurance making it easier to return to normal activities and exercise regimen. It also improves coordination, posture, and balance preventing weakness-related falls and other complications. It helps keep knees, hips, and ankle joints flexible while maintaining muscle mass. Walking also improves mood and self-esteem. More importantly, it improves digestion and urinary tract function helping wear off the effects of anesthesia post-surgery.
EXERCISE REGIMEN ALTERNATIVES
If walking is prohibited and lower extremity movement is possible, try doing calf pump exercises. Calf muscles play a significant role in improving blood circulation and it can provide almost the same benefits as walking by doing calf pump exercises. Foot exercises improve diabetic foot ulcer wound healing and should be a routine part of the healing plan. Simple calf muscle pump exercises can help with pain-free and improvement with walking for arterial ulcers. The same simple exercise also helps speed up improvement of chronic venous leg ulcers and diabetic foot ulcers.
Other low-impact activities like strength training, yoga, and Pilates provide enough physical effort without the risk of disturbing the wound except for surgical wounds. Basic exercises including jumping jacks, crunches, lunges, or planks offer another source of movement wherein the risk of injury is relatively low. Any of these activities can help draw oxygen to the wounds and assist with healing.
Also, try to do exercises that will help improve mental health. Taking a walk can help calm the mind or find the balance in the flow of energy with yoga. Whichever exercise, any physical activity that gets the blood pumping while also contributing positively to mental health will deviate away from depression and help with healing.
Other techniques to include given the right balance according to the patient’s needs for wound healing include:
A well-thought-out exercise program as adjunctive treatment to chronic wounds can significantly help with wound healing compared to those without physical activity. A relatively short-term exercise intervention is associated with improved wound healing rates among healthy older adults and adherence to the program is more important for this population.
