Author(s)

Jennifer D. Hastings¹, Sara Shapiro²

¹University of Puget Sound School of Physical Therapy, Tacoma, WA, USA.
²Apex Health Solutions, Tacoma, WA, USA.

This paper challenges the concept that the essential element in wound healing is to offload pressure. We suggest a change in approach that recognizes the integumentary system as one which, like all other body systems, adapts to the stresses put upon it. We use a clinical case example to illustrate the use of intentional mechanical stress to promote wound healing and include a review of the relevant literature. The intent of this publication is to call for a new look at clinical practice regarding wound healing and to call for future research directed at investigation of this theory.

Wounds, Pressure Ulcer, Mechanical Stress, Electric Stimulation, Weight-Bearing

D. Hastings, J. and Shapiro, S. (2016) Healing Wounds under Mechanical Stress: A Case Example. International Journal of Clinical Medicine, 7, 120-126. doi: 10.4236/ijcm.2016.72013.