TITLE:
Healing Wounds under Mechanical Stress: A Case Example
AUTHORS:
Jennifer D. Hastings, Sara Shapiro
KEYWORDS:
Wounds, Pressure Ulcer, Mechanical Stress, Electric Stimulation, Weight-Bearing
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Clinical Medicine,
Vol.7 No.2,
February
19,
2016
ABSTRACT: 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.