18 Jul The Collagen Connection: How Patients Can Rehab Faster and With Better Healing

Following an orthopedic injury or surgical repair, the goal is tissue regeneration, which restores the function and form of the native tissue as effectively as possible. Rehabilitation for orthopedic injuries requires prompt and consistent therapy, which can become challenging when there is also a wound requiring healing. Here is how collagen can bridge that gap, promoting fast and better healing for orthopedic conditions. 

What is collagen for wound healing?

Not all wounds and incisions heal as they should. Environmental factors, comorbidities, and wound care all play a role in the progression of wound healing. Collagen, which is a protein found in the body, plays an important role in wound healing by supporting new blood vessel formation and promoting new cell growth. 

While the body contains collagen, it’s possible to promote faster and better wound healing by using collagen dressings for post-surgical and other types of incisions and wounds. Collagen dressings encourage the creation of new collagen fibers, support a moist wound environment, and stimulate the growth of new tissue. Collagen dressings are available in many forms and sizes, making them ideal for different types of orthopedic patients.

How collagen promotes faster and better healing for ortho patients

During an orthopedic surgical procedure, incisions are typically made using either primary or secondary closures. A primary closure is where the skin is closed at the end of the procedure with staples, sutures, or glue. A secondary closure is where the wound, or incision site, is left open to heal by contraction or granulation. 

Even when a patient has received primary closure of their incision site, the area is not at full strength and could easily open again with activity or stretching. Tensile strength refers to a skin’s resistance value after an incision s closed. Tensile strength is generally only about 20% of original strength at three weeks post-procedure, and it can take up to two years to regain full tensile strength without help. 

The material in our bodies that aids in incision closure and building tensile strength is collagen. When collagen is applied to wounds after surgery or injury, it aids in healing and helps build up tensile strength. 

Using collagen in wound healing for orthopedic patients is vital because increased tensile strength is needed for physical therapy and other activities that can promote healing. Collagen not only reduces inflammation and scarring but also makes it possible for patients to safely start rehab sooner and enjoy better rates of healing. 

Get the collagen connection with the SMARTKITS™ wound care solution

SMARTKITS from FritzFinn is an all-in-one customized wound care solution that contains everything patients need to care for their wounds…including 100 percent Type 1 Native Bovine Collagen. The physician simply writes a prescription for daily wound care products, which are then delivered directly to the patient’s door. To learn more about FritzFinn’s wound care solutions, contact us today.