All About Your Amputee Rehabilitation Team

A whole team of specialists will come together to work with you to help and guide you into your new life with a prosthetic leg. While the exact combination of people in this team will vary depending on where you live, here are some key rehabilitation specialist role descriptions to deepen your understanding of the kinds of people who may work with you. 

You

Yes, you! You are the most important person in this team. It is your approach to your rehabilitation that will make the biggest difference. You are not expected to be a super hero. This is about giving the process your best, being consistent and asking for help when you need it.  

Doctor

Think of your doctor as home base. Your doctor is the person who has the overview of your treatment plays the key coordinating role. Your doctor will provide treatment and care throughout your entire rehabilitation process.  

Nursing staff

Your nurses will care for your wound, your residual limb. This includes helping you position your residual limb to make sure your muscles stay healthy. They will train you to take care of your residual limb, for example with wrapping or general compression technique.  

Occupational therapist

You will meet your occupational therapist (OT) early in your medical journey. This person will work with you and your family over a longer stretch of time. They will be an important source of knowledge and support in making sure you feel secure and confident about your rehabilitation journey.  

One of the first things your OT will do with you is find out about your vision for life with prosthesis and help you prepare for it. This will include the kinds of daily activities you need to carry out (work, family, errands), as well as your bigger goals and dreams! 

Your OT will also make sure you have the right technical aids and know how to use them. For example, making adjustments on your bike.  

Physical therapist

You will work with your physical therapist on exercises to strengthen and mobilize, as well as balance and coordination exercises. Your physical therapist may also help you learn how to put on and take off your prosthesis. You will also learn to walk using a prosthetic leg with your physical therapist. You may also work with a physical therapist to stimulate your muscles and with a masseuse for issues such as lymphatic drainage. 

Prosthetist

Your prosthetist (Also known as certified prosthetist [CP], O&P professional, Orthotist or Certified Prosthetists Orthotists) is responsible for prescribing the correct prosthesis according to your lifestyle needs and mobility capabilities so that you have the prosthesis that suits you as well as the manufacturing and maintenance of the prosthesis 

This is the person you can go to for advice on fitting your prosthetic leg, technical issues and maintenance checks. Your prosthetist will be in charge of any adjustments of your prosthetic leg throughout your life, and teaches you how to put on and take off the prosthesis and take care of it 

Psychologist

Another very important part of your medical care is making sure you retain good mental health.  

Psychological support is an essential component of staying healthy throughout this big life event. A psychologist can support you in dealing with any challenges you may face in daily life, at work, interacting with family or in your social life. They can provide a safe space for you to process things and support you as you find your way. 

A psychologist can also work with you and the people close to you, as they may well also benefit from a psychologist’s insights and support.