title: A biochemical approach to wound healing through the use of modalities.
abstract: Wound healing is a complex pathway that is energy dependent. Nonhealing wounds frequently require the use of physical modalities to achieve healing. There is much debate over which treatment modality to use, with varying clinical results in the literature. This review paper describes a common biochemical pathway that helps the clinician understand, at a molecular level, how the transference of energy to a wound can result in positive clinical results. The mechanisms of action for ultraviolet light, electrical stimulation, and ultrasound are reviewed along with a proposed biochemical roadmap. An emphasis on protein biochemistry is supported with an extensive review of the literature.
authors.affiliation: Comprehensive Wound and Disease Management Program, St James Hospital and Healthcare Centers, Olympia Fields Campus, Olympia Fields, IL 60461, USA. w.ennis@comcast.net
authors.forename: William J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Ennis
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Patricio
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Meneses
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy; D014467:Ultraviolet Therapy; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology* / Q000528:radiation effects