Those who have experienced limb loss know how difficult it can be. Luckily, physical therapy is one resource that can help an amputee get back to the things they love or activities that once were not as difficult. Amputation is unique from other surgeries, you are leaving the operation room in a physically altered state, whether that looks like a missing toe, foot, lower leg, arm etc. The psychological aspect of this alone is difficult, but we are here to help!
Physical therapy can reduce complications with amputation, both prior to and following surgery. An evaluation would start with a general musculoskeletal overview, observation of transfers (getting up from a chair, getting in and out of bed), and getting a better understanding of your prosthetic components. After this, the therapist would then perform a skin check to see if any wounds or scars are present, check range of motion, strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, and speak to you about your pain levels (if any). In addition to getting a better understanding of how to don and doff your prosthetic, PT can assist with any adaptive equipment you have or are looking to learn to use (walker, cane, walking poles, etc). One of the most important and final aspects of treatment a PT can provide is discussing goals, ways to ensure joint protection, contracture prevention, and fall recovery and prevention.
The main focus of PT treatment going forward would then be to:
● maintain or improve range of motion to prevent contractures
● improve strength of both the residual and anatomical leg
● encourage equal weight bearing through both legs to ensure joint protection
● address balance deficits
● learn how to perform transfers and gait safely
Each stage of the rehabilitation process looks a little different and are described as follows by the Amputee Coalition:
1. Pre-operative phase: decide to remove a limb, meet with a prosthetist, determine level of function, prevent contracture
2. Post-operative phase: protect and shape the residual limb, begin to encourage mobility 3. Pre-prosthetic phase:strengthening, flexibility, continued shaping of residual limb
4. Prosthetic training: volume management, learning to use your prosthesis, getting the right fit, sensory and muscle reintegration, and gait training
5. Re-integration phase: returning to work or recreational activities
The Abled Amputees Foundation lays out a general framework to get an idea of the length of the entire outpatient rehabilitation timeframe:
Below knee amputation: 8-12 sessions
Above knee amputation: 12-20 sessions
Bilateral amputee: 24-48 sessions
Everyone’s journey is different, so the above ranges could be longer or shorter depending on each person’s comorbidities, age, and prior level of strength and activity. The process will not be easy, but PT can improve your quality of life, set achievable goals along the way, and assist you in getting back to the things you love! If you or a loved one is interested in starting physical therapy, give us a call to schedule an evaluation: (585) 259-0782. To learn more about Wellness 360, visit our website at www.wellness360fitness.com.
References: https://www.abledamputeesfoundation.org/therapy-benefits https://amputee-coalition.org/resources/getting-the-most-out-of-physical-therapy-fs
