[Rehabilitation of burn victims. A difficult path back to normality]

The most important aims of rehabilitation in burn victims is the restitution and improvement of joint mobility, mimicry and pulmonary function, as well as of muscular endurance and strength. In addition to the management of scars, therefore, patient instruction in unsupervised training and scar care, as well as promotion of re-integration into day-to-day life are essential. Depending on the parts of the body affected, measures may include manual therapy, active exercise, treatment with ultrasound, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in the case of facial burns, respiratory therapy and ergotherapy and, finally coordination training. Treatment of the scars themselves requires a combination of a number of measures, all of which should be of an "active" nature. Of proven value are manual massage of scar tissue, stretching exercises, the use of silicone, special splints and compression clothing, as well as laser therapy. Rehabilitation measures should be applied for not less than 4 weeks. Where indicated, further surgical measures should be discussed with the patient.