Amputee Therapy
Have you recently undergone an amputation of an arm, hand, leg, or foot? Valir PT can help you following surgery. Our skilled therapists will help guide you through the process of restoring strength and balance, as well as learning to use any prosthetic devices.
We recognize that losing a limb can have an enormous physical and emotional impact. This is especially true when an amputation stems from complications of diabetes, as the condition can make physical therapy more challenging while requiring treatment of its own.
The good news is you don’t have to do it alone. Our physical therapists offer an evidence-based approach to care that will help you rehabilitate and learn to live an active, independent lifestyle.
As part of the H2 Health national network of therapists, we have the resources to help our upper and lower extremity amputee therapy patients in Tulsa receive the most up to date care. Learn more about our partnership.
The Reasons for Amputations
There are two main types of amputations. Traumatic amputations occur when someone loses a limb due to a traumatic injury (such as a motor vehicle accident). Surgical amputations occur when a surgeon removes a limb that has been damaged by disease or trauma.
About half of amputations occur due to complications of diabetes, vascular disease, or similar diseases. When these conditions damage your nerves or blood vessels, you can lose sensation in your extremities (especially your feet). As a result, you might not notice a cut or ulcer, making it more likely to become infected or not heal properly.
When the tissue in an upper or lower extremity becomes damaged badly enough, amputation may be the best treatment approach. By removing the damaged portion of your body, you can focus on restoring your health elsewhere. And that’s where Valir PT comes in.
What to Expect During Amputee Therapy
Our team has extensive experience helping people rehabilitate after injury or surgery. We’ll work closely with you, your physician, and other care team members to create a personalized rehabilitation program that addresses your specific needs and recovery goals.
Possible Treatments Included In Your Program
Post-Surgical Care
- In the early weeks after your surgery, we can help with several post-surgical concerns, including pain management, scar tissue reduction, and early mobilization (which helps reduce pain long-term).
Mobility and Strengthening Exercises
- It’s essential to build strength and mobility in your remaining limbs so that you adjust to the changes in your body. We’ll show you personalized, targeted exercises that suit your needs, helping you perform them correctly and increasing the intensity as needed.
Balance and Gait Training
- If you’ve had a lower extremity amputation (including your foot), your sense of balance will change. We can help you adjust to these changes through tailored balance challenges. We’ll also help you relearn walking patterns. Together, this can reduce your fall risk and ensure you stay active.
Prosthetic Training
- If a prosthetic device is part of your rehabilitation, we can help you adjust and learn how to use it correctly.
Undergoing an amputation can be difficult. But Valir PT’s goal-oriented approach is designed to help you get back out there and live your life to the fullest.
