Every action in the body begins as an electrical impulse, so it is logical that electrical stimulation could turn out to be one of the most effective wound healing accelerators in the healthcare industry. Yet, the highly specialized delivery of “E-STIM” (electronic stimulation) for wound care requires specialized training, and until now has not been available in most areas of the Lower Shore.
The physical therapists (PT) in Peninsula Home Care’s Maryland offices (covering Wicomico, Worcester and Somerset counties) are the first home care PTs in the state to become certified in the treatment of patients with chronic wounds through E-STIM, a treatment medically proven to help wounds heal up to 40% faster than traditional wound care methods.
“Chronic wounds are the main cause of lengthened hospitalization, delayed rehabilitation and hospital readmission for pain, infection and sometimes amputation,” said Nancy Bagwell, Peninsula Home Care branch director. “While it is an honor to be the first home care agency certified to deliver E-STIM for wound care, the truth is we believe this can help many, many people recover faster and stay out of the hospital. We believe in the long term it is one of the most important services we can offer.”
Peninsula Home Care has been using E-STIM to treat injuries, muscle weakness, edema, neurological re-education and pain since 2011. As the technology advanced, the benefits for use on chronic wounds became clear. Peninsula Home Care therapists started training annually in 2011 to use the new E-STIM technology. At the end of the course, PTs are expected to pass a final exam to achieve certification to provide wound therapy E-STIM to patients in the home.
“The equipment we are using on patients to treat chronic wounds is similar to the original E-STIM machine, but is equipped with higher voltage capabilities – which we know sounds more painful but really is not,” said Mayank Gupta, Physical Therapist, Peninsula Home Care. “Electrical pulses help increase circulation which accelerates the growth of new cells to help wounds heal faster and reduce pain.”
“Now that the certification process is complete, our therapists are at the forefront of providing E-STIM treatment to chronic wound patients in the comfort of their home. This offering also opens the door to new partnerships for Peninsula Home Care with physicians, wound care centers and out-patient service providers,” said Bagwell.
Risk Factors for Wound Development
Chronic wounds can occur because of long periods of bed rest, diabetes, poor circulation or swollen legs. Knowing the risk factors involved with developing a wound can help with early detection and prevention:
- Confinement to a bed, chair or wheelchair
- Inability to move due to a stroke, hip fracture or spinal cord injury
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Poor nutrition
- Diabetes with loss of sensation in the feet
- Chronic swelling of the lower legs
For more information about Chronic Wound Care Electronic Stimulation, visit www.peninsulahomecare.com or call 410/543-7550.
About Peninsula Home Care
Peninsula Home Care ensures that all patients are involved in their plan of care and strives to give them every opportunity to maintain their independence in the home. The agency has recently surpassed serving 30,000 patients and has been named to the “Home Health Care Elite” for the third time in five years. The Home Health Care Elite, awarded by OCS Home Care, recognizes the top 25-percent of home health agencies based on performance measures in quality outcomes, quality improvement and financial performance. For more information visit www.peninsulahomecare.com.
