Physical therapists help you set up individualized treatment programs aimed at helping you attain independence, enhancing your quality of life, and maximizing your function after an amputation.

Physical therapists work in coordination with your primary orthopedic specialist and prosthetist in order to fit and train you in the correct use and care of prosthetics.

Education will be provided to you on positioning. You will also be taught exercises that will help you ensure proper motion. The exercises will also help you build supporting muscle groups for efficient and natural use of prosthesis during your normal daily activities.

Services

1. You will have an initial evaluation to address your limitations and individual needs.

2. You will then have positional training and learn exercises that will:

• Optimize the position of your limbs in order to prevent contractures and injury
• Strengthen your muscles around the residual limb in preparation to returning to its prior function
• Address the need for additional exercises that will help support and stabilize your musculature in order to ensure proper posture and body mechanics.

3. You will then be fitted for prosthesis.

• This process may include several sessions.
• Your prosthetist and physical therapist will coordinate with you during the fabrication of your prosthetic. Adjustments may be made during subsequent sessions at the clinic following your trial of wear.

4. Next, you will receive residual limb and swelling care education regarding:

• Protection and hygiene of the residual and prosthetic in order to reduce your risk of infection and pressure sores.
• Proper bandaging/compression wrapping for the residual limb in order to control edema.

5. Lastly, you will receive gait training and return to your independent tasks

• Using prosthesis during functional tasks for your specific needs (stairs, walking, standing activities).