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Exercise After Burn Injury

Movement is critical to your recovery after a burn injury.

Learn how staying active supports healing, reduces complications, and improves daily function. 


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Why Exercise Matters

How a Burn Injury Affects Your Body

Burn injuries stress your body, and the effect of this stress can continue throughout the healing process and beyond. You may notice your heart and lungs don’t function as well, and your muscles and bones may be weaker than before your burn injury, especially after bed rest. Muscles can shrink quickly; people can lose up to 1% of muscle mass for each day in bed. Skin may also tighten as it heals, making everyday movement and tasks more difficult.

Why Exercise Is Important

Getting up and moving early in recovery is key. Activity supports:

  • Better breathing and heart function 

  • Stronger immune response 

  • Greater joint flexibility and mobility 

  • Reduced risk of contractures and scarring 

  • Increased independence with daily activities 

  • Overall mental and physical well-being 

What You Can Do

With your doctor’s guidance, start simple. The right mix of exercise can support healing:

Stretching

Improves flexibility and helps prevent contractures. Hold stretches 20 seconds to 2 minutes. Repeat 3 times.

Aerobic Activity

Walking, swimming, cycling, and using equipment like ellipticals strengthen the heart and lungs. Start slow and build up over time.

Strength Training

Use light weights, bands, or your body weight. Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates can also support strength and mobility.

Recreational Movement

Sports, gardening, dancing, and active games support strength, flexibility, and endurance—especially for children.

Special Considerations

Pain

Talk to your doctor about pain management options, including non-opioid medications. Wear pressure garments during activity to reduce discomfort.

Dry Skin

Moisturize before exercise and consider gentle massage before stretching. This can reduce skin cracking or tearing.

Hydration

Drink fluids regularly during physical activity.

Heat Sensitivity and Sun Protection

Limit sun exposure. Wear long sleeves, hats, and waterproof sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. Gradually build tolerance to heat with your doctor’s guidance.

Open Wounds or Exposed Tendons

Speak with your doctor or therapist before starting or continuing any exercise.

Stretching Exercises by Body Area

Face

Make exaggerated facial expressions in front of a mirror. Massage tight areas around the eyes and mouth. 

Neck

Stretch in the opposite direction of the tightness. Try lying on your back and slowly letting your head extend off the edge of the bed.

Chest

Lie on your back with a cushion under your shoulder blades. Stretch arms out to the sides or overhead.

Shoulders

Use resistance bands or props like couch backs to gently stretch shoulders.

Elbows

Keep elbows straight with palms facing forward to stretch.

Hands

Stretch fingers into a fist and also press the hand flat on a surface to open it up.

Knees

Sit with legs extended. Apply light pressure on thighs or knees to stretch.

Ankles

Stand on a step and drop heels below the step to stretch the back of the ankle.

Toes

Massage and gently stretch toes outward.

Related Resources

Sun Protection After Burn Injury
Understand & Improve Body Image
Healthy Eating After Burn – Adults

Disclaimer 

This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to your health care provider about the right pain management options for you. 

Attribution 

Adapted from the MSKTC factsheet: Exercise After Burn Injury, with contributions from medical experts and burn survivors.