For most of us, sitting, standing, and walking happen naturally. We rarely think about the strength, balance, coordination, and precise timing required to take a single step.
Following an accident, injury, or disease, a person may require an artificial limb, or prosthesis. Adjusting to a prosthesis represents a major transition for the body and mind. Physical and occupational therapy play a vital role in helping patients adapt.
During rehabilitation, patients learn how to use, manage, and care for their residual limb while gradually developing confidence and independence. The goal is to help each person incorporate the prosthesis into daily life as naturally as possible.
Physical and occupational therapy help patients:
- Build strength and endurance
- Improve balance and coordination
- Develop safe and efficient movement patterns
- Adapt to a new center of gravity
- Learn to use and care for the residual limb
- Practice everyday activities safely
- Reduce the risk of falls and injury
- Build confidence and independence
Every Step is Progress
Learning to move efficiently and comfortably with a prosthesis takes time, patience, and professional guidance. The scope of rehabilitation extends well beyond physical strength and movement.
One challenge some patients experience is phantom pain, pain or other sensations perceived in a body part that is no longer present. Altered or unfamiliar sensations can make movement and prosthetic use more difficult. Because every person responds differently to a prosthesis, rehabilitation must be individualized to address each patient’s physical, emotional, and environmental needs.
Take the Next Step
Physical and occupational therapists use a variety of tools to promote quality of life and prevent falls. The use of mirrors to provide instant feedback reinforces the correct movement patterns and builds confidence. Therapeutic massage, dry needling, and acupuncture are
effective for relieving real and phantom pain and preparing the limb for a prosthetic. These methods reduce stress, anxiety, and elevate mood, along with stimulating circulation to the affected anatomy. Patients learn self-massage techniques for desensitizing the limb, improving muscle control and preparing for movement.
Adjusting to a new center of gravity requires some degree of ‘relearning’ movement. Improving core and pelvic strength are essential for stability, balance, and coordination.
Gait training maintains proper movement and body alignment. Advanced technology helps physical and occupational therapists identify the slightest variances and challenges in normal gait. As your physical and occupational therapists, we will always stand by you, and assist you and your loved ones to enjoy the benefits of pain-free movement. Helping you achieve your full potential is what we do, and it’s our
privilege to help you get there.