Amputation Recovery Tips & Aftercare Considerations
There are certain tips and aftercare considerations you or a loved one will need to take after having a limb amputation surgery. The recovery process after undergoing an amputation will bring up a range of feelings. From feeling physically uncomfortable to emotionally uneasy, it's important to recognize these are perfectly normal reactions to such a life-changing event.
Equip yourself with the right support while adapting. This includes understanding the proper care you will need after an amputated limb, such as finding a physical therapist to help regain some degree of mobility. Seeking out emotional support through friends and professional services will also be paramount to the recovery process after amputation surgery.
Recovery times will vary depending on the level of amputation. Here are some top tips for anyone who has recently undergone amputation.
1. Find a Rehabilitation Team
Finding the right rehabilitation team is key to moving forward and receiving proper care after arm, foot, or leg amputation. Your team should consist of a team of skilled professionals, such as:
Occupational Therapists: Therapists who specialize in occupational therapy to help people with certain illnesses or disabilities navigate and learn adaptive life skills needed for everyday living. Many occupational therapists will recommend and teach you how to use adaptive equipment like rolling walkers,canes, and wheelchairs to increase mobility.
Physical Therapists: Therapists who specialize in physical therapy improve mobility and physical function for individuals with certain disabilities. They play a key role in helping individuals with mobility issues find the strength and mindset to overcome physical limitations.
Prosthetist: A prosthetist is a healthcare professional who will create and fit you for a prosthetic limb, replacing your missing body part. For example, having your leg amputated will require a period of physical recovery before it can be fitted for a prosthetic leg. A prosthetist will guide you through the steps to take before any artificial limbs are placed.
Psychologist: A psychologist who specializes in working with recent amputees provides these individuals with support in adjusting to a new way of life. Studies indicate that the psychological impact of amputation is associated with a certain level of emotional shock. Having a psychologist who understands these challenges will help individuals come up with coping skills for dealing with a recently amputated limb.
Being familiar with a list of disability services, resources, and programs in your area will also help you build a community during and after amputation recovery. Support is fundamental for healing after an amputation, and research shows that lower limb amputees can maintain positive self-esteem through social resilience factors such as psychological support, strong personal relationships, and reintegration into life.
2. Incorporate Early Rehab & Gentle Movement
Now that you have your rehabilitation team set up and ready to go, it's time to put early rehab into practice. Recovery starts as soon as a few days post-surgery. Your team will introduce gentle movements or exercises while you're still in your hospital bed. Other exercises are introduced as you get stronger and transition from a hospital bed to a rehabilitation center.
Foot or leg amputations will require gait training. Gait training is a physical therapy that helps your body re-learn to walk naturally without a limp with a fitted prosthetic limb.
These exercises also encourage blood circulation (preventing blood clots) and help to reduce muscle tone loss. Here are some gentle movements commonly used in post-recovery routines for lower-limb amputees:
Pelvic tilts to strengthen the core.
Seated leg lifts (lifting what is remaining of the lost limb) and the alternate leg towards the chest.
Partial weight-bearing (two-hand support) and balance exercises are performed when you have transitioned from the hospital bed to a standing position.
Full weight-shift bearing exercises (without support) can be performed as soon as you are confident and comfortable in your balance and strength.
Keep in mind that every amputee's case is distinct. Following your doctor's instructions carefully after your amputation is crucial for a successful recovery. Since falls are more prevalent in recent amputees, it's also helpful to talk to your physical therapist about safe fall-recovery techniques.
3. Take Care of Your Residual Limb (Stump)
The residual limb (stump) must be completely healed after surgery before beginning gait training or preparing for a prosthetic limb fitting. It's important to take care of the stump for the rest of your life to ensure continuous mobility.
Here are some ways to make sure your residual limb stays healthy and fit:
Use gentle soaps and lotions without harsh chemicals to clean and moisturize your stump.
Use bandages or compression socks to "form" the stump and reduce swelling.
Change stump socks and prosthetics daily to prevent moisture or any type of bacterial buildup.
Continue with your physical therapy exercises to maintain muscle tone, flexibility, and strength in your residual limb.
4. Manage Pain & Phantom Limb Sensations
After amputation, a sensation called "phantom limb pain" may appear. Research demonstrates that approximately 60-80 percent of amputees experience phantom limb sensations. This means that individuals who have recently had a limb amputated will feel pain where the limb used to be.
This common sensation is manageable with the following options:
Prescription medications: Using NSAIDs, antidepressants, or anticonvulsants to manage pain.
Massage therapy: This therapy uses trigger point therapy and joint mobilization.
Mirror therapy: A mirror is positioned between the arms or legs. The reflection of the moving, unaffected limb creates the illusion of normal movement in the missing or affected limb.
Adapting After Amputation Is Possible!
Amputation recovery isn’t linear, and it’s normal to face challenges along the way. With the right combination of early rehab, exercises, and assistive devices, you will be able to regain independence after amputation surgery.
Here's a quick recap of tips and aftercare considerations for recent amputee patients:
Build your rehabilitation team. Find a physical and occupational therapist to help you adapt to your new life. Find a reputable prosthetist who specializes in making custom-fit prosthetic limbs for recent amputees. See a psychologist to talk through the psychological impact of your amputation.
Start rehab as soon as you are able. If you are a few days post-surgery and feeling up to it, begin with gentle exercises in your hospital bed. When you are ready, move from your hospital bed to a rehab center and start gait training to relearn your walking ability (for lower limb amputations).
Take care of your residual limb. Maintain your stump in great health by using post-surgical bandages and keep it clean and moisturized. Change your compression socks daily, and follow through with your daily exercises.
Manage phantom limb pain. Use a combination of medication and therapies like mirror and massage therapy to prevent common phantom limb pain.
Recovery takes time, so have patience after your recent amputation. There will inevitably be emotional and physical setbacks. Set yourself up with a great rehabilitation team and combine that with a willingness to adapt. From there, you will be on a clear path to navigating life after amputation with courage and confidence.