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Post Amputation

After an amputation there can be many issues relating to daily life — for instance, how to learn new ways to walk, bathe and drive. Wound care may be involved, or learning to use a prosthetic limb.

Some amputees have phantom pain, which is the feeling of pain in the missing limb. Other problems that can occur include grief, surgical complications and skin problems if you wear an artificial limb.

What are the rehabilitation goals?

Occupational therapy can help to prevent further disability and assist the patient returning to daily living activities at the highest possible level. IPMR physical therapy offers therapeutic exercise and functional training designed to return patients to maximum ability and independence as quickly and safely as possible.

Both the individual who has lost a limb and his or her family may have challenges in adjusting to this new way of life. Counseling can help provide coping skills to ease this transition.

See also: Chronic Pain, Depression Source: U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health