Information for upper limb amputees and their families
What to expect before, during and after amputation
The most important goal of your entire treatment from surgery to rehabilitation, to the fitting of your prosthesis is to help you attain the most function and mobility possible, so you can lead an active life.
Your rehabilitation team, which includes your doctors, therapists, prosthetists and of course, you and your loved ones, will help you achieve the most independence possible. On average, this rehabilitation process takes between two to six months, although this can be affected by various factors, including your level of motivation and how well your prosthesis fits.
Recommendations with regard to your therapy and rehabilitation are provided below. However, the instructions from your rehabilitation team always take priority since this team is best able to evaluate your individual situation.
Before Amputation
Whether you’ve known about your amputation surgery for a while, or just found out, remember that you’re not alone. Your treatment team is there to support you, answer question—and find the best solutions for you.
What does amputation level mean?
The term amputation level is used to describe the location at which the body part is amputated.
The amputation level is determined by the doctor before the operation and is based on the reason for the amputation. For planned interventions, a prosthetist is normally consulted as well in order to clarify which amputation level is suitable for subsequent fitting of the prosthesis.
After Amputation
Immediately after your operation, the focus will be on your recovery and the healing of your arm, also referred to as your residual limb. A healthy recovery is important so that you can start rehabilitation soon and be fitted with a prosthesis.
Your treatment team will decide when you can start with intensive rehabilitation based on how your recovery is going. During your rehabilitation process, you will be fitted with a prosthesis tailored to your specific needs, and supported by a rehabilitation team that could include physicians, physical therapists and occupational therapists, a prosthetist and nursing staff. These professionals are there to support you and to ensure that you are well prepared. During rehabilitation you will learn how to properly care for your residual limb, as well as the rest of your body.
Before you can wear a prosthesis, your residual limb must be healed and have attained the proper shape. This means that all fluids that accumulated due to the operation have been removed through compression therapy and that the residual limb swelling (edema) has subsided.
The rehabilitation process
Once your residual limb has been properly formed you’ll learn more about your prosthesis. You’ll be instructed in how to take care of it as well as your residual limb, and you’ll also begin training with it.
Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Everyday Training
Additional Therapeutic Measures
We hope these pages have provided you with comprehensive information and wish you great success in your rehabilitation. If you have any questions or comments, please contact us.