Movement, Mobility, & Wound Prevention

As patients age, experience illness, or undergo extended hospital stays, their ability to move freely often declines. This loss of mobility introduces risks that go beyond muscle loss or joint stiffness. It increases the likelihood of developing chronic wounds, particularly pressure injuries, which can have long-lasting health consequences.

Supporting patient movement and mobility is one of the most effective strategies for preventing wounds before they start. In this article, we explore why movement matters, how mobility affects skin integrity, and what care teams can do to integrate preventative mobility strategies into daily routines.

The Link Between Immobility and Wounds

Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers or bedsores, are among the most common wounds in immobile patients. They occur when prolonged pressure limits blood flow to certain areas of the body, especially bony prominences like the sacrum, heels, hips, or shoulders. Over time, this pressure causes tissue damage and breakdown, eventually leading to open wounds.

The risk increases exponentially when a patient is bedbound or chairbound, incontinent, malnourished or dehydrated, living with diabetes or vascular disease, or experiencing cognitive decline.

When mobility is restricted, the body does not get the micro-adjustments and circulatory boosts it normally receives from regular repositioning. Skin remains in contact with surfaces for extended periods, increasing friction, shear, and moisture exposure.

Wounds that develop in these conditions can be difficult to heal and often lead to further complications such as infections, extended hospitalizations, and higher healthcare costs.

Small Movements, Big Impact Prevention does not always require dramatic interventions. Often, it is the smallest changes that lead to the biggest improvements. Regular repositioning, even slight shifts in weight or body angle, can relieve pressure and stimulate blood flow.

A few practical examples include:

• Turning a bedbound patient every two hours

• Assisting with seated repositioning in a wheelchair

• Encouraging leg and foot movements, even while lying down

• Supporting active or passive range-of-motion exercises

• Promoting walking or standing with assistance when safe and appropriate

These activities may seem routine, but they form the core of skin preservation efforts. Consistency is critical, especially for patients who may not be able to express discomfort or pain.

The Role of Physical and Occupational Therapy Physical and occupational therapists are invaluable partners in mobility and wound prevention. They assess each patient’s functional ability, develop customized movement plans, and train both patients and caregivers on safe transfer techniques.

In long-term care settings, therapists often recommend tools like gait belts for safer transfers, specialty cushions and mattresses, foot rests and padded supports, and exercise routines to maintain strength and flexibility.

Therapy should be tailored to each patient's needs and revisited regularly. As mobility improves, the risk of skin breakdown decreases. For patients who are non-ambulatory, therapists can help identify assisted movement techniques that preserve dignity and promote independence. Skin Monitoring During Movement One overlooked benefit of regular repositioning and mobility support is the opportunity it provides for skin monitoring. Caregivers who assist with movement can check vulnerable areas for signs of redness, irritation, or moisture buildup.

This early identification allows for:

• Timely interventions before a wound develops

• Better documentation of changes in skin condition

• Collaboration with wound care providers or dermatology experts
  

Regular movement becomes not only a form of prevention but also a means of early detection.

Technology and Innovation Modern healthcare offers a range of technologies that support mobility and wound prevention. These include:

• Pressure-relieving mattresses and overlays

• Bed exit alarms to reduce fall risk

• Smart sensor cushions that track movement and pressure points

• Wearable devices that monitor steps, heart rate, and activity levels
  

While technology is not a substitute for hands-on care, it can enhance decision-making and provide valuable insight into a patient's mobility patterns. When used effectively, it complements the human element of wound prevention strategies. The Care Team’s Role

Wound prevention is a team effort. Nurses, CNAs, therapists, physicians, and family members all play a part in maintaining a patient’s mobility and comfort. Communication is essential. For example:

• Nursing assistants may report stiffness or discomfort during repositioning

• Nurses may notice increased agitation or refusal to move

• Physicians may adjust medication that causes drowsiness or sedation

• Families may share concerns about activity levels at home

When everyone stays alert and engaged, the likelihood of catching problems early increases significantly.

How Skilled Wound Care Supports Mobility and Prevention At Skilled Wound Care, we believe that preventing wounds is just as important as treating them. Our physicians collaborate closely with long-term care staff to support daily movement, monitor skin integrity, and educate teams on risk reduction strategies.

We do this through:

• On-site wound rounds that include preventative assessments

• Real-time collaboration with facility staff

• Clinical education on pressure injury staging and prevention

• Building care plans that prioritize repositioning and mobility support
  

We understand that wound prevention starts long before a wound appears. It begins with movement, attention, and a team-based approach to care. Whether a patient is recovering from surgery, living with chronic illness, or entering the final stages of life, preserving mobility is one of the most compassionate and effective actions we can take.

Even small steps make a difference. And together, those steps help keep patients safer, healthier, and more empowered.