Immediately after amputation of any level at the arm, patients need to
be evaluated and treated by a qualified therapist. Each patient has
unique needs that need to be addressed when trying to return
to the best daily function possible.
Our center has developed a team approach to patients who have
sustained an upper extremity amputation to address each patient’s
needs. We incorporate
the surgeon, therapist, prosthetist, patient and case manager in all decisions
as part of the team. With everyone involved, we can much more easily make decisions
that are in the best interest of the patient. We work very closely with
area prosthetists throughout the patient’s course of treatment. This allows
us to fine-tune the prosthetic as the patient learns to use the device.
Our therapy department provides the following services to amputees:
- A comprehensive evaluation of the patient’s functional and biometric abilities
- Activities of Daily Living (ADL) retraining immediately after injury, before the prosthesis is fit
- Wound/residual limb care
- Strengthening and range of motion exercises for remaining joints
- Splinting to protect the limb if needed
- Splinting to restore a functional task
- ADL retraining after the prosthesis is fit
- Prosthetic care: how to take it on and off as well as charge the battery
Our goal is to make sure we give the patient the opportunity to return
to home, work and leisure functions in as normal a manner as possible. There
is a fine balance between work, self-care and leisure; we want each patient
to have control over all three.