Wound Care Services in Gillette, Wyoming
- Posted On:
Updated 1/4/2023
Did you know that physical and occupational therapists are the health care professionals who provide wound care services in Wyoming? There are a great number of expert wound care specialists at Campbell County Health Rehabilitation Services in Gillette, Wyoming.
Wound care therapists have a deep knowledge of anatomy, tissue healing, movement and positioning. Specialists at CCH provide wound care to patients in the hospital, at home (through Home Health) as well as in the Stocktrail Building.
For those who don’t know, wound care is generally a reference to management of injuries, treatment provided after surgeries, or in non-healing wounds.
Non-healing wound risk factors
Some common factors that can contribute to wound development include:
Smoking
Age
Smoking cessation, exercise, and seeking medical treatment for diabetes can reduce the risk of chronic wound development and improve healing for current wounds.
For traumatic wounds, evaluation by appropriate medical providers such as emergency services personnel, physicians, or surgeons is the best course of action. For minor or small, non-healing wounds, contact your primary care physician.
Who benefits from wound care?
Three common types of wounds that wound specialists treat are skin tears, pressure injuries, and diabetic ulcers.
Skin tears occur more often in older adults due to skin becoming more fragile with age. Prevention includes protecting high risk areas with clothing and adequate hydration, and minimizing use of adhesives.
Pressure injuries can occur with prolonged contact, moisture, or shearing forces. Prevention includes frequent repositioning, removing pressure, maintaining clean skin, and good nutrition.
Diabetic ulcers most often occur on the bottom of feet. Risk factors include diabetes, lack of feeling, poor circulation, irritation or trauma, and foot deformities. Prevention includes limiting the previously noted risk factors, proper management of blood glucose levels, and checking daily for skin damage or irritation.
How is wound care therapy done?
Wound care specialists are Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists that help by developing care plans to provide the optimal healing environment for the body. This is done through services such as:
Cleaning the wound
Debridement (removal) of dead tissue
Wound dressings to properly manage moisture balance and help with healing
Compression to support the vascular structure or lymphatic system
Splinting to support the hand or foot in proper position to help with healing
Education on wound care and dressing changes for patients and caregivers or family members
These services usually continue until the wound heals or management can be provided effectively and safely at home. All wounds heal at different rates and treatment is directed at the individual’s needs.
If you have questions about wound care, please contact Rehabilitation Services at 307.688.8000. Our compassionate and experienced staff helps each patient, in a team-oriented atmosphere, reach their goals.
