Progresses in Wound Healing: Integrating Nutrition, Physical Therapy, Traditional and Alternative Medicine, and Novel Technologies.

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex, tightly regulated biological process essential for restoring the integrity and functionality of damaged skin. Chronic wounds, affecting approximately 6.5 million individuals globally and 1.5% of the Indian population, pose significant healthcare challenges due to their prolonged and intricate healing processes. This review highlights the mechanisms and stages of wound healing-hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and maturation-emphasizing the bidirectional influence of internal and external factors on wound progression. Despite advancements in wound management, current therapeutic options, including skin grafts, growth factors, and cell-based therapies, often remain inadequate for diverse wound types. Emerging technologies, such as nanofibers, stem cell therapy, 3D bioprinting, fluorescence imaging, and bacteria- killing laser therapy, offer promising solutions by enhancing therapeutic outcomes and minimizing side effects. This review also explores the roles of nutrition, physical therapy, and traditional medicine in promoting effective wound care. By integrating novel technologies with established therapeutic strategies, this work provides a comprehensive overview of advanced wound healing modalities, their mechanisms, advantages, and limitations. The review concludes with a perspective on future research directions aimed at overcoming current challenges in chronic wound management and optimizing patient outcomes.