Amputee Program

Rehabilitation Process

The loss of a limb affects an individual in many different ways - physical, emotional, social, and vocational. A comprehensive amputee rehabilitation program can provide a person with the skills needed for physical and psychological recovery and a lifestyle of maximum independence.

Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center offers a wealth of experience in successfully working with people who have had amputations. Our interdisciplinary team of rehabilitation experts specializes in meeting the needs of people with upper and lower extremity amputations. Our goal is to assist the patient's return to the most productive, independent life possible.

Whether it be from trauma, congenital limb deficiency, or from a disease-related amputation such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, we serve individuals with upper and lower extremity amputations, who may be experiencing functional problems in the areas of: dressing, eating, grooming, walking, skin care, weakness, pain, wound care, working or attending school, and emotional adjustment issues.

Our Medical Director and Physiatrist direct the rehab team, which collectively specialize in internal medicine and physical rehabilitative medicine. Other team members include: physical and occupational therapists, prosthetist, psychologist, social workers, rehabilitation nurses, and the patient and family.

Inpatient Rehabilitation

Treatment begins with a thorough evaluation to learn about the patient's physical capabilities, lifestyle, strengths, weaknesses, and possible medical complications. The rehabilitation team then works together with the patient and family to establish treatment goals. The program of each patient is tailored to meet his/her individual needs and is modified as progress occurs.

The inpatient program provides 24-hour-a-day physician and nursing care to address the medical and nursing needs of the patient. Individual and group therapy sessions are conducted for a minimum of 3 hours a day, 7 days per week to address the patient's physical, emotional and/or vocational needs. Based on the patient's individual needs, the amputee program provides treatment and services in three areas:

All three areas provide comprehensive treatment to assist the patient in developing the skills, resources, and attitudes needed for a smooth transition back to the community.

Amputation Rehabilitation

Amputation Rehabilitation assists the patient to become as independent as possible, without a prosthesis. Specialized treatment and services include: phantom limb and pain management, wound care, residual limb care, skin care, mobility and wheelchair skills, relearning activities of daily living (eating, dressing, grooming), psychological adjustment counseling, and vocational issues.

Pre-Prosthetic Training

After the limb heals, and if a prosthesis is indicated, the therapy team prepares the patient physically and emotionally for the device. The limb will have to be shaped and prepared to ensure a proper fit. During pre-prosthetic training, the amputee team concentrates on strengthening the residual limb to take full advantage of the prosthesis, as well as improve total body strength, range of motion, and gait training. The rehabilitation team works with experienced prosthetists to fit patients with body-powered conventional prostheses, as well as state of the art myoelectric components.

Prosthetic training

Prosthetic training assists the patient in learning to use and care for his/her prosthesis. Patients learn to solve the amputation-related problems they will deal with for the rest of their lives, such as personal adjustment, prosthetic gait training, driver evaluation, adaptive equipment needs, and preparing to return to work or school and the activities of everyday life.

We encourage family members to participate in therapy sessions as strong family support facilitates the rehabilitation process. As the time for discharge nears, patients and families are counseled regarding the resources available to ensure a smooth transition to home or another care setting. Arrangements are made for those who would benefit from continued therapies in an outpatient setting.

Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation

Upon discharge from the inpatient program, or if the patient does not meet the inpatient admission criteria, the patient may receive treatment as an outpatient. The amputation team provides coordinated rehabilitation services including assessment, treatment, and follow-up care.

Outpatient services include:

Outpatient therapy is scheduled according to the patient's needs, usually 2-3 visits per week. Coordination is provided for patients who need transportation to and from appointments.

Referral

To initiate the referral process, or to obtain additional information on Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center's Amputee Program, please call 269-965-3206 or FAX 269-441-4148.

 

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Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center
393 E. Roosevelt
Battle Creek, Michigan  49017
269.965.3206