Neuromodulation strategies in postburn care for pain rehabilitation and scar remodelling

Burn injury causes acute physiological stress and leads to long-term complications, including persistent pain, impaired mobility and abnormal scar formation. These changes arise from alterations in neural signalling, inflammation and tissue remodelling and are not fully addressed by conventional treatments. Here, we review recent advances in neuromodulation strategies for postburn care and their potential to improve pain control, rehabilitation and scar outcomes. Neuromodulation approaches can suppress abnormal pain signalling and enhance endogenous inhibitory pathways. When integrated with rehabilitation, they support muscle function and promote adaptive brain-body interactions. Emerging evidence also suggests that early application of these interventions may improve wound healing and scar remodelling. Although clinical use remains limited, growing preclinical and early clinical data highlight the translational potential of neuromodulation to improve long-term recovery and quality of life after burn injury.