1/5/24

Hello and welcome back to our blog, Therapy WA Talks.

Here on our blog, we give an insight into what it is we at Therapy WA do, shining a spotlight on all thing’s physiotherapy, the weekly happenings of our therapists and giving our amazing clients a voice.

Therapy WA is a WA owned and ran mobile physiotherapy service servicing the Perth Metro area. Our focus is on making physiotherapy accessible to all, with a patient-centred, functional, and fun approach.

We are proud to say that at Therapy WA one of our specialist areas is amputees, and we have a significant number of amputees at varying stages of their rehabilitation on our caseload. This is a very complex area, one that we could write several blog posts about, but we thought we would start today with the basics of Physiotherapy for Amputees.

Here it is, we hope you enjoy.

Physiotherapy for Amputees: A Basic Guide

Living with the loss of a limb can be a challenging journey, and clients require the right support and guidance along their journey. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping amputees regain strength, mobility, and independence. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various aspects of physiotherapy for amputees, including pre-prosthetic rehabilitation, prosthetic training, and long-term care. There are various reasons why someone may lose a limb (trauma, illness, Diabetes) and this will also play a part in determining their rehabilitation journey.

Pre-Prosthetic Rehabilitation: The journey to getting a prosthetic limb begins with pre-prosthetic rehabilitation. During this phase, physiotherapists work closely with amputees to prepare their bodies for the eventual use of a prosthesis. This may involve strengthening exercises, range of motion exercises, and balance training to optimize physical function and mobility.

One of the primary goals of pre-prosthetic rehabilitation is to ensure that the residual limb (the remaining part of the limb after amputation) heals properly and is in the best possible condition for prosthetic fitting. Physiotherapists may use techniques such as manual therapy, massage, and compression therapy to manage swelling and promote tissue healing.

Prosthetic Training: Once the residual limb has healed sufficiently, amputees can begin prosthetic training. This phase involves learning how to use and care for a prosthetic limb effectively. Physiotherapists play a vital role in guiding amputees through this process, teaching them how to safely don and doff (put on and take off) their prostheses, as well as how to walk, stand, and perform daily activities with their new limb. We work collaboratively with a number of prosthetists here in Perth to help our patients with this aspect of their care.

Prosthetic training is highly individualised, as each amputee’s needs and goals may vary. Physiotherapists work closely with their patients to develop personalised treatment plans that address specific challenges and help them achieve optimal function with their prosthetic limbs. This may involve progressive gait training, balance exercises, and functional activities to improve mobility and confidence.

Long-Term Care: The journey doesn’t end once amputees become proficient with their prostheses. Long-term care is essential to ensure that they continue to thrive and adapt to any changes in their physical condition. Physiotherapists provide ongoing support and monitoring to address any issues that may arise, such as prosthetic discomfort, skin irritation, or changes in mobility.

In addition to physical rehabilitation, long-term care may also involve psychological support to help amputees cope with the emotional challenges of limb loss. Physiotherapists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals, such as psychologists and social workers, to provide comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of recovery.

Physiotherapy plays a critical role in the rehabilitation journey of amputees, from pre-prosthetic rehabilitation to long-term care. By working closely with physiotherapists, amputees can regain independence, mobility, and confidence as they embrace life with a new limb. With dedication, support, and perseverance, the possibilities for amputees are limitless, and our physiotherapists at Therapy WA are here to help them every step of the way.

We will talk in more detail about the care we provide for amputees in future blog posts, but these are the basic steps and approaches taken for those starting on the journey.

Please reach out if you have any questions lisa@therapywa.com.au

Take care and talk soon 