Rehabilitation Without A Prosthesis

/ What we treat / Amputees / Forearm amputation / Rehabilitation without a prosthesis /

A prosthesis following a forearm amputation may not be for everyone. There may be many reasons to choose life without an artificial limb. It could be due to poor healing, or the prosthesis may be a poor fit causing discomfort or not working efficiently or people may find it easier to use the opposite limb to carry out tasks and have minimal input from their amputated side. Whatever the reasons may be physiotherapy can still help. Physiotherapy can still assist the individual in adjusting to life without the use of their arm and help to promote as much independence as possible.

Benefits of Physiotherapy Following a Forearm Amputation

The physiotherapist will play a key role in your recovery from surgery by:

Carrying out a full respiratory assessment after you operation. Teaching you breathing exercises to clear your chest and reversing the effects of the anaesthetic.
Assisting you to get out of bed post-operation and to mobilise. This is important to help to prevent muscle weakness and to also optimise chest function post-operation.
Teaching skills and modifying tasks to allow you to complete them single-handed.
Building up the overall muscle strength on the opposite side of the amputation to compensate for the missing limb.
Giving advice and teaching techniques to cope with phantom limb pain.
Being a source of guidance and assist with any problem you face whilst you cover.

Above: Massage and mobilisations of the arm and shoulder by a specilaist massage therapist

Summary

At Physio.co.uk the physiotherapist will carry out a full assessment and work with you to develop goals to meet your needs. Losing a limb is an emotional experience and recovery is optimised with professional help. Physio.co.uk will work hard to maximise your potential and minimise any problems that may occur throughout the rehabilitation programme. To arrange an assessment please call Physio.co.uk on 0330 088 7800. . Alternatively, arrange an appointment by booking online today!

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