The Use of Occupational and Physical Therapies After a Lower Limb Amputation

A physical therapist is an important member of the team that will help a patient after lower limb amputation to return to their life as soon as possible.  A physical therapist can provide occupational therapy exercises for below-knee amputees which are designed to get them back on their feet and doing physical activities, but also physical therapy exercises for lower limb amputees that will build up muscle strength in the residual foot or leg so they can use it better.

Occupational therapists work with patients on tasks like driving, cooking, home management, and other things related to independent living.  They also, help people find ways to regain physical function and independence through adaptive equipment, prosthetics, or assistive technology.

What is a lower limb (below the knee) amputation?

Lower limb amputation is the removal of all or part of a leg. A below-knee amputation (BKA) will remove everything from your upper thigh down. There are many causes for this type of limb loss, including trauma and vascular problems like diabetes, but one extremely common reason for needing an above-knee amputation is peripheral artery disease (PAD).

PAD is a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to your legs and feet.

A physical therapist can help with physical therapy exercises for lower limb amputees as well as suggest ways in which a below-knee amputation patient may be able to remain mobile and continue doing some activities independently following surgery.  Occupational therapists will help by giving advice on how to adapt your environment and workplace for physical limitations, enabling you to return to work.

Learn more about physical therapy exercises for lower limb amputees through this blog:

Causes of lower limb amputation.

Nowadays, the most common cause of lower-limb amputations is vascular disease.  This condition can be prevented by physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight level.  If you suspect that you have this kind of problem, consult your doctor as soon as possible so they can provide preventive measures or prescribe medication to help reduce risk factors for an aneurysm.

• Physical trauma
• Loss of blood flow to extremities or skin cells
• Infections, e.g., gangrene
• Tumors in the limb that are not treatable with surgery
• Pain in the limb that does not go away after a period of rest.

How physical therapists can help patients who’ve had a lower limb amputation.

• Physical therapy exercises for below-knee amputees: to build up muscle strength and facilitate recovery of motor functions, as well as providing information on how to use assistive technology (e.g., prosthetics)
• Physical therapy exercises for lower limb amputees: a physical therapist will work with the patient to develop an exercise program that meets their physical goals.
• Help patients find ways to remain mobile and continue doing some activities independently the following surgery
• Suggest modifications for the home or workplace environment, enabling you to return to work.

Occupational therapists can also provide information about assistive technology. They work with patients on tasks like driving, cooking, home management, and other things related to independent living.

The physical therapists at the Everest Rehabilitation Hospitals provide physical therapy exercises for lower limb amputees through physical activity that is tailored to your abilities to help you recover faster after surgery.

What results may be achieved if a lower limb amputee will follow the therapist’s recommendations and take advantage of both occupational and physical therapies after a surgery? 

If you are suffering from a physical condition affecting the lower limb, it might be necessary to undergo an amputation.  Even if this is not a prospect that many people want to think about, there will nevertheless come a time when doctors advise this as the best course of action.  Although such news cannot feel good on its own at all times, the fact that physical therapists are there to guide you through the recovery process can bring in some relief.

As part of physical therapy for lower limb amputees, exercises will be recommended by health professionals in order to help the individual regain strength and functionality after surgery.  Many doctors recommend that people with amputations take advantage of physical therapy programs so as to improve their quality of life.

Physical therapy exercises for below-knee amputation – exercises for lower limb amputees – lower limb amputation occupational therapy

Lower Limb Amputations and Occupational Therapy Physical therapists are professionals who, among many other things, will help you learn how to handle your everyday activities after a major change such as an amputation.  After surgery, physical therapists will help you to relearn how to perform certain tasks that may have become difficult or impossible due to the new physical state of things.  During physical therapy for lower limb amputees, your therapist might advise exercises designed specifically for individuals who are recovering from the amputation of a leg or foot.

Let’s say you have physical therapy exercises for lower limb amputees to help make your recovery easier and faster, physical therapists will work with you on things like developing new ways to get around independently or how to adapt daily tasks so they can be done regardless of physical challenges.

After lower limb amputation, physical therapists can offer information about assistive technology.  They work with patients on tasks like driving, cooking, home management, and other things related to independent living.

A therapist’s recommendations and take advantage of both occupational and physical therapies after a surgery? 

• Physical therapy exercises for lower limb amputees
• Physical therapists might advise exercises designed specifically for individuals who are recovering from the amputation of a leg or foot.
• Physical therapists will work with you on things like developing new ways to get around independently or how to adapt daily tasks so they can be done regardless of physical challenges.

You can live an active and healthy lifestyle after a lower limb amputation.  Find out more about the services Everest Rehabilitation Hospitals offer, including our special programs that will help you get back to living life on your terms by visiting our website,(insert website address).

If you want to know what results may be achieved if someone with a lower-limb amputation follows their therapist’s recommendations, contact us for more information today! We are here to answer any questions so don’t hesitate to reach out.