Application of Pressure: A Principle in the Biomechanical Frame of Reference

Abstract

The application of pressure is proposed as a principle for preventing a limitation of range of motion where hypertrophic and keloid scars interfere with range of motion. The addition of this principle to the biomechanical frame of reference described by Trombly (1983), would assist occupational therapists to more appropriately assess the need for application of pressure as a means of preventing deterioration in range of motion. Pressure has typically been applied to prevent soft tissue contractures in burn treatment and recently it has been used in the prevention of soft tissue contractures associated with scleroderma. A review of the literature has lead the author to propose the application of pressure as a scientific principle which must be considered when shortening of skin and subcutaneous soft tissue interferes with range of motion except when spasticity is involved.