Treatment Plan

• Pre-op Education – assists patient to prepare for lifestyle and body image changes that occur after amputation.

• Physical Therapy – focuses on strengthening muscles, improving balance, gait training, and conserving energy. For lower extremity amputations, gait training begins with parallel bars, transitions to assistive devices, and then prosthesis.

• Occupational Therapy – works to improve independence in daily care, limb and prosthetic care and management, and mobility.

• Counseling – addresses psychological issues associated with self-image, lifestyle adjustments, and acceptance.

• Biofeedback – helps patients to manage their pain and phantom sensations.

• Family/Caregiver Education – is an integral component of amputee rehabiliation. Topics include family adjustment, community resources, medications, foot care, etc.

Outcomes of Treatment

• Condition and prepare the stump for the prosthesis.

• Achieve independence in caring for the residual limb before, during, and after prosthetic wear.

• Realize independence in performing daily activities, including self-care, household management, work-related activities, performing vocational and recreational/ leisure activities.

• Improve general conditioning and endurance, strengthen all extremities, improve balance and tolerate the prosthesis.

• Re-learn to walk with the prosthesis.

• Learn energy conservation techniques.

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