Amputee Life — Rehabilitation

It’s easy to assume that all individuals with limb loss get fall training after amputation. Unfortunately, that is not the case, and a recently published study proves it.

It doesn’t seem obvious, but humans are wired to control biological body parts and receive information by directing attention toward them. This is called “body-specific attention,” which explains why it’s often harder for amputees to feel comfortable using their prosthetic legs.

If you or someone you know has a lower-limb amputation, you might have noticed volume differences in the residual limb, mainly when a prosthetic limb is often used.

One of the top causes of injury for many amputees is losing balance, leading to falls. Struggling with balance makes it hard to get through the day without risking a fall.

After limb loss, you may need to rest for a few weeks, which can lead to some tightness or weakness in your lower extremities. Your balance and proprioception will also be affected as you adjust to life with a prosthetic limb. When your condition is stable, and the physician clears you for physical therapy, your physical therapist can begin teaching you how to walk again.