Your rehabilitation after an amputation will require a lot of effort and the assistance of your healthcare team. As the most important member of the team, you can think of yourself as the “motor” that everything relies upon. Your physical therapist (PT), however, is the key to keeping the motor in good working order.
The following tips will help you succeed in physical therapy.
- Seek out a PT who is knowledgeable about working with amputees.
- Begin working with your PT before your amputation, if possible. It’s important to get information about what to expect. Otherwise, your fear of the unknown can slow things down.
- Work with your PT to set attainable short- and long-term goals with reasonable time frames for completion. If your goals are too difficult, you may get discouraged. If your goals are too easy, you may not push yourself hard enough.
- Following your surgery, strive to get your body ready for the next phase. Maintaining or regaining your strength, range of motion, and balance are critical. It only takes 72 hours to lose strength and range of motion in your body—both of which are essential to being able to transfer independently and fully begin your new life. The ability to get in and out of bed, to the bathroom, and in and out of the car will help increase your independence dramatically. Learning to use a walker or crutches properly will make it easier for you to get around your house and community. The risk of falling and impeding your progress is high at this time so be especially careful. Once you can get around independently and safely, it will be time for the next phase.
- Prepare to use a prosthesis, if you choose to do so. The PT’s job is to help you devise a plan to move forward. The approach taken will depend on your individual needs and abilities. Your need for more healing time, increased strength, and improved balance are all things that must be considered. During this period, the PT might also help shrink and shape your residual limb.
- Keep in mind that a prosthesis is not a magical tool that allows you to do whatever you want. There is no single “best” prosthesis that will make everything better. A prosthesis is just one part of the process and is only as good as the person using it. Therefore, while you wait for your prosthesis to be made, continue your therapy to ensure that you are ready when it arrives.
- Make sure that your PT teaches you to use your prosthesis in a safe and effective manner. The more you learn about using your prosthesis and the better shape you are in, the more energy-efficient you will be. This is important because using a prosthesis can require a lot of energy. Your PT and prosthetist will also collaborate to fine-tune your prosthesis to fit your needs.
- Learn as much as you can. Read. Ask questions. Talk to other amputees.
- Examine your insurance policy and make the most of your benefits, including working with your PT to learn exercises you can continue to do on your own.
- Remember that good PTs are your teachers, but ultimately you will have to do the hard work to reach your goals.
By Jon B. Holmes, PT, CP
