An evaluation of the necessity for physiotherapy intervention for patients with isolated hand/forearm burns treated conservatively or with Biobrane.

Usual Treatment Group Participants allocated to the Usual Treatment Group will receive physiotherapy intervention as per usual practice (lasting approximately 15-30 minutes per day). This will comprise: Assessment, education, provision and supervision of exercises for the non-affected joints in the affected limb on the first day of admission (conservatively managed) or first post-operative day (Biobrane). Daily provision, supervision and assistance during hospital admission of range of motion exercises for the affected joints once cleared for movement by the burns surgeon (usually day 1 for conservatively managed patients and day 2 or 3 for Biobrane managed patients). Provision of a patient education pamphlet detailing these exercises. Assessment regarding the need for, and fitting if required, of an off-the-shelf compression glove. Assessment regarding the need for, and intervention if required, scar management. Assessment and intervention as deemed necessary by the treating physiotherapist following hospital discharge, coinciding, when possible, for times when the patient returns to Burns Outpatients (located in the Burns Unit) for dressing changes. Hospital discharge usually occurs on day 3 of admission or day 3 post-operatively. Patients usually return for assessment and dressing changes twice a week until the burn is healed (conservatively managed) or the Biobrane has been removed and the burn is healed. Duration of follow-up in Burns Outpatients is until the burn is healed and/or full hand function has been achieved, which usually ranges from 10 days to 4 weeks. No Treatment Group Participants allocated to the No Treatment Group will not receive any physiotherapy intervention. All participants, irrespective of their allocated group, will receive medical, nursing and allied health interventions (apart from physiotherapy) as per usual practice.