Losing a limb is a traumatic experience. Getting into shape to prepare for a prosthetic, and to help teach the body how cope with the new limb is the hardest part of recovery. Doing exercises at home can prepare the body and mind for the difficult road to recovery.
Preprosthetic Training
Before receiving a new prosthetic, the limb must be strengthened. This is to ensure the body will be able to cope with the new limb, as well as ensuring that the prosthetic will fit correctly. Changes in muscle mass can cause a prosthetic to fit wrong, making it impossible to rehabilitate properly. Once the wound has closed, the patient will be given a preparatory prosthetic limb that can be used to build limb volume, sensitivity and range of motion (ROM).
Lower Extremity
If the prosthetic is for the lower extremity, the muscle will need to be worked to ensure the correct fit of the prosthetic. Perform static quadriceps to strengthen the upper leg by pushing the legs out in front of you and tightening the thigh muscles. Hold for five seconds and relax. It is important that the strength in both legs be even. Do the exercise so that both quadriceps are worked together. If you have an amputation below the knee, make sure to do exercises that use the knee regularly to ensure you keep ROM.
Once you receive the prosthetics you will need to do balancing exercises. Stand between two chairs with your hands on the chairs to support your weight. Lean from side to side to learn properly balance between the prosthetics, or the prosthetic and your good leg. You also can stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and rock forward and backward.
Upper Extremity
If you have lost an upper extremity, it is important to use the prosthetic hand and arm as much as possible. It is easy to get into the habit of using the good hand only when lifting or grasping. Exercise the prosthetic arm by bringing it up and over the head to improve range of motion. Lift objects using both arms as much as possible, so that strength is equal between the two arms. If you have a prosthetic hand with digits that move, work on your grasping motions by trying to touch each individual finger to the thumb. Also attempt lifting one finger at a time.
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