A sub-specialty area of physical therapy is Wound Management, or care of open sores.  Patients with such conditions as diabetes, venous leg ulcers or post-operative healing complications may experience slow healing.  Physical therapy combines the use of wound dressings with therapeutic modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, negative pressure therapy, total contact casting and vasopneumatic compression therapy to facilitate more rapid healing.

Physical therapists use their expertise to cleanse and dress the wounds to stimulate optimal healing, reduce pain and enable patients to return to work or other activities sooner.  Patient education in wound management and skin care is an important step in prevention of future wounds.  A comprehensive approach also includes assessment of walking ability, strength, overall movement, swelling and footwear needs.

Dr. Karen Albaugh is a physical therapist and board certified wound specialist with over 15 years of wound management experience.  She is a research coordinator and sub-investigator for several multi-center clinical trials on state-of-the-art therapies and wound treatments, and has been consulting and lecturing on topics in wound care on a national level for the past 10 years.

She will work with your physician to develop a plan of care, as well as order any necessary dressings or supplies.  Karen practices in our West Chester office, located in the Turner Square Shopping Center, near the intersection of Paoli Pike (Route 322) and Route 202.  For a consultation and thorough assessment, please call our West Chester office at (610) 344-9725.

Please click here for additional information about Karen.