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This module includes approximately two hours of online learning and an in-person one day workshop focuses on physical therapy interventions including exercise and mobility programs that optimize healing outcomes and manage pain in people with lower extremity wounds. It includes physiotherapy interventions that are known to manage chronic edema (compression) and optimize calf muscle function in people with venous leg ulcers. and provides effective offloading and/or pressure re-distribution strategies for people with diabetic foot ulcers or pressure injuries.

Note: Management strategies addressed in this course do not involve direct wound care. Physiotherapists and other healthcare professionals working in settings that provide care for people who have, or are at risk of, skin breakdown due to lower extremity edema, impaired mobility, and/or diabetes will find this course beneficial. In addition, based on current best practices and evidence, the Ontario government is now funding some offloading devices for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers under certain circumstances.

What participants will learn:

Upon completion of the online module and one day in-person workshop, course participants:

1. Will understand how impairments such as chronic edema, poor calf muscle pump function, unrelieved pressure, deconditioning, and pain contribute to altered skin integrity.
2. Will have the knowledge and skills to:
• Perform and interpret vascular tests of the lower limb including Ankle Brachial Pressure Index (ABI).
• Choose and apply an appropriate compression system to manage chronic leg edema.
• Identify appropriate clients and apply removable and non-removable foot offloading devices
• Prescribe exercise programs that will optimize mobility and address underlying cause(s) of skin breakdown.
3. Will participate in open discussion, cases and clinical scenarios to consolidate knowledge gained from the online modules and clinical skills lab.
4. Will be able to use research evidence and critical thinking to select interventions that are likely to improve healing outcomes for presented cases.
5. Will be able to discuss how they would implement care in their specific work environment.

Who should take this course:

This course is designed to help physiotherapists working in all health care settings who have clients with lower extremity wounds due to peripheral vascular disease (venous and/or arterial) or diabetic foot complications.
Prior knowledge of wound care principles similar to those provided in the Introduction of Wound Care course (see above) is strongly recommended. Rostering with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario for Wound Care is not required.

Learn more about the instructors

Learn more about OPA's Wound Care Program