There are many different types of wounds and some do not heal as quickly as we want them to. When there are chronic wounds that refuse to heal, advanced wound care centers, such as the Wound & Hyperbaric Healing Center at Windom Area Health, are able to help. Not only does the Wound Center help heal difficult-to-treat wounds, we also teach patients how to prevent the development of more in the future.
Advanced wound care treatments, also known as advanced modalities, are utilized at the Wound Center to help patients to heal. Advanced modalities allow wounds to heal faster and help those that have stalled in healing by waking them up and forcing them to continue to heal. Those modalities include:
Debridement: This is the process of removing dead tissue from wounds. It is necessary for healing because dead tissue hinders the growth of new cells and makes it easier for infection to occur.
Pressure Relief or ‘Off-Loading’: This process requires that no weight or pressure is put on the wounded leg or foot. Some techniques to help prevent weight-bearing include using wheelchairs, boots, crutches, and total contact casting.
Tissue-growth therapies: This is a process where live tissue is placed on the wound bed and helps new skin cells develop in the wound. This new cell growth allows for the skin to repair itself and regenerate.
Negative pressure wound therapy: This process involves placing a vacuum over a dressed wound, which draws the fluid from the body through the wound and stimulates blood flow to the wound.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: This therapy stimulates the growth of new blood vessels and tissue with a pressurized, oxygen-rich environment that allows blood plasma to carry up to 20 times the normal amount of healing oxygen.
These modalities are always in conjunction with other types of lifestyle changes such as nutrition, blood sugar control, exercise, and traditional healing. Advanced modalities are based on evidence and clinical guidance in managing complex wound scenarios. Through the use of these treatments, the Wound Center is committed to improving overall healing outcomes and providing exceptional patient experiences.
If you or someone you know is dealing with a chronic or non-healing wound, don’t hesitate to contact the Wound & Hyperbaric Healing Center at 831-0686. Self-referrals are welcome!
By Kaci Paradis, NP, Clinical Program Director at the Wound & Hyperbaric Healing Center