Published with the inputs from Maj (Dr) Prageeth N P, Specialist, Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation, Baby Memorial Hospitals-Kozhikode
Amputee and Prosthetic Rehabilitation is a specialized program designed to help individuals recover after limb amputation and regain independence using a prosthetic limb. The process involves physiatry assessment, physical therapy, emotional support, prosthetic training, and long-term follow-up to ensure patients adapt effectively to their artificial limb and return to daily life with confidence.
Amputee and Prosthetic Rehabilitation is a comprehensive approach that combines medical, physical, and psychological care to support individuals after an amputation. It focuses on wound healing, mobility training, prosthetic fitting, and helping patients adjust physically and emotionally to life with a prosthetic limb.
Rehabilitation is vital because it helps patients regain strength, improve balance, and gait training with prosthetic limb. It also addresses emotional well-being, reduces phantom limb pain & sensations, and supports long-term independence in daily activities.
Rehabilitation usually begins soon after surgery. Early stages focus on maintaining the range of motion, preventing contractures, strengthening remaining muscles and mobilisation with assistive device. Once healing is complete, patients are assessed for prosthetic fitting, The prosthetist takes detailed measurements and creates a mould of the residual limb. Each prosthetic limb is custom-designed based on the patient’s functional levels of amputation [k- level], activity goals, lifestyle and financial status. Gradual modifications are made to ensure comfort, function, proper alignment & functional stability to optimize safe and natural movement.The prosthetic training begins with gradual weight-bearing and walking exercises.
Prosthetic training includes physiatry assessment about prosthetic limb, learning how to don and doff the prosthesis, gait training, activities of daily living training such as walking, climbing stairs, or using assistive devices. It also involve training the patient how to care for their residual limb and prosthesis to prevent skin irritation and ensure long-term durability.
Emotional recovery is very important like physical recovery. Counselling and peer support help patients adjust to body image changes, overcome anxiety or depression, and build confidence in using their prosthesis. Family involvement plays a key role in providing motivation and emotional strength throughout the journey.
Rehabilitation duration varies depending on the functional levels [k level] of amputation, healing progress, and individual medical condition. On average, initial prosthetic training may take a few weeks, while complete adaptation and independent mobility can take 3–6 months. Continuous follow-up ensures ongoing improvement and prosthetic maintenance.
Yes. With proper rehabilitation and advanced prosthetic technology, many amputees return to work, sports, and active lifestyles. Customized prosthetic designs for specific activities — such as running, swimming, or cycling — allow individuals to regain confidence and independence.
If you or a loved one has undergone an amputation, our Rehabilitation and Prosthetics Team at Baby Memorial Hospitals provides personalized care and advanced prosthetic solutions to help restore mobility and confidence.
📞 Call us or book an Appointment Online to start your rehabilitation journey.