Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation for Amputees

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation for Amputees

Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation for Amputees

Amputation is a significant and life-altering event. You need comprehensive and ongoing rehabilitation to ensure the best possible outcome. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process, helping individuals regain strength, mobility, and independence. But the journey doesn’t end with the initial post-surgical care. Continuous physiotherapy can aid in managing phantom limb pain, improving balance and coordination, and adapting to prosthetic devices. And a return to physiotherapy can help you adjust to life’s changes even years after surgery. If you’re an amputee seeking advanced physiotherapy for ongoing rehabilitation, you’ve come to the right place. Our clinic provides specialised physiotherapy services to help you continue your journey towards optimal mobility and strength. Whether you need fresh motivation or new progressions for exercise rehab, we are here to support you. Call us at (02) 9438 1782 to book an appointment today. In the meantime, let’s consider your rehabilitation needs.

 

 

The Importance of Physiotherapy After Lower-Limb Amputation

Successful use of prostheses after lower-limb amputation (LLA) depends on comprehensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation, addressing both physical and psychological aspects. These days, most lower-limb amputations are performed to treat peripheral arterial disease and its complications. Why? These diseases cause narrowed arteries, which reduce blood flow to the extremities. Over time, this results in chronic wounds, ulcers, and infections that fail to heal. If these conditions become severe and unresponsive to treatment, tissue death (gangrene) may occur.

Amputations may be minor (toe and partial foot) or major (removal of most of the limb). The success of amputation surgery relies on careful attention to detail and close coordination with physiotherapy and rehabilitation departments. The aim is to produce a well-healed, pain-free stump suitable for prosthetic fitting.

 

After a successful amputation, ongoing physiotherapy is essential for adaptation and mobility. It helps individuals improve balance, strength, and confidence with their prosthetic limb. It focuses on maintaining muscle strength to prevent atrophy, and provides expert guidance for effective prosthetic training, addressing gait patterns and balance.

 

Physiotherapy also plays a crucial role in pain management through techniques like massage and stretching, while regular check-ins help detect and prevent issues such as skin irritation or poor prosthetic alignment. This comprehensive approach ensures a smoother transition and better long-term outcomes for those adapting to life after amputation.

 

 

Your Long-Term Rehabilitation Partner

Years after the initial surgery, physiotherapy can still provide significant benefits. We’ll check in on issues such as scar tissue, muscle imbalances, and joint stiffness for your long-term health and mobility. And of course life with your prosthetic will change as your lifestyle changes, whether in activity levels, work, or hobbies. We’ll be here to help you navigate those changes. Similarly, as we age, our physical abilities may decline and new health issues and injuries arise. This is hard for everybody, but it presents unique challenges to amputees. We’re here to help you navigate those challenges too.

 

 

Conclusion

Physiotherapy after amputation is vital for maintaining and improving mobility, strength, and overall well-being. When was the last time you checked in with a physiotherapist? Whether you’re dealing with a lower-limb amputation or managing diabetes-related complications, at St Leonards Physiotherapy we are here to help you achieve your rehabilitation goals. Call us on (02) 9438 1782 to schedule an appointment with our skilled physiotherapists. 

 

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Information provided here (including text, graphics, images, outbound links, and other material) is for informational purposes only. It is general in nature and is not to be used or considered as a substitute for personalised professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified allied health provider regarding any symptoms, medical conditions, or treatments and before undertaking any new health care regimen.

 

References

Hale, C. A. (2013). Physiotherapy for people with major amputation. Tidy’s Physiotherapy, 457-74.