Stage 4: Learning to Use Your Artificial Limb

Prosthetists or physiotherapists (PTs) teach leg amputees how to walk with their artificial limb (gait training). Arm amputees will be trained by an occupational therapist (OT) on how to use their prosthesis for daily activities; this may take longer and be more involved depending on the type of prosthesis being fitted. Occupational therapists also teach amputees adaptive skills, such as how to get dressed with one hand or with an artificial arm.

Your centre of gravity is determined by balancing your body’s weight. As a new amputee, you have lost a percentage of your body weight during your amputation (from 0.84% for a hand to 18.7% for an entire leg), and you will need to learn how to redistribute your weight accordingly.

Learning How to Fall and Get Up
Most physiotherapists or occupational therapists include a lesson in falling safely during your training. If you are a leg amputee, falling is part of the process of learning how to walk with your artificial leg(s). Since falling is something you probably will encounter, learning the proper techniques that minimize injury to your body and to the artificial limb is important.

Gait Training for Leg Amputees
Gait is the individualised manner in which each person walks, and gait training is the process of learning how to walk with your prosthesis. Developing a “good gait” is key to having a comfortable and efficient walking stride. It reduces the stress and wear and tear placed on your residual limb and the rest of your body. Gait also affects posture and energy expenditure. Either a physiotherapist or prosthetist will provide gait training to teach you proper techniques. Bad habits are hard to break later on, so it is in your best interest to learn the right way from the start. Later on, if you feel you are developing bad patterns, you can analyze your gait yourself in the mirror or visit your physiotherapist again for correction.

Occupational Therapy for Arm Amputees
An occupational therapist teaches arm amputees how to operate their artificial arm(s) and terminal device(s) as well as adaptive skills. The lessons begin with general functions like learning how to move your arm and hand in a smooth manner, and progress to task-oriented functions like eating with a knife and fork. If your dominant arm was amputated, the occupational therapist sometimes helps you learn how to write with your sound limb (sometimes called contra-lateral limb). Since myoelectric arms are sophisticated devices, more training is necessary to learn how to control the muscles so your artificial limb can function properly. Training will progress to more complex tasks that include fine motor skills.
This section has been created using information provided by War Amps, minor amendments have been made, which reflect more accurately the UK rehabilitation process.