Amputation
Amputation – the removal or absence of a part of the body. Most common types of amputations occur as a surgical procedure due to trauma (e.g. a motor vehicle accident) or an underlying medical condition (e.g. gangrene as a result of diabetes). Amputations can occur in both lower and upper extremities as well as single digits. Some cases are congenital (e.g. a child is born without a part of an extremity). The effects are permanent.
SYMPTOMS
- Weakness
- Impaired sensation
- Pain
- Impaired range of movement in the joint
- Deformities
- Joint stiffness
- Difficulty performing activities of daily living
HOW WE CAN HELP
- At Q Enrichment Center, our Occupational Therapist will conduct an extensive, comprehensive assessment to determine the type of difficulty, the severity, as well as the impact on Activities of Daily Living (“ADL”). A detailed report will be completed, along with a treatment plan specific to each individual’s needs.
- Intervention can focus on:
- finding alternative methods / compensatory strategies to perform activities of daily living (e.g. bathing, dressing, using the toilet)
- addressing deficits such as weakness, sensory impairment, and pain that limit engagement in ADLs and Instrumental ADLs (“IADLS”) (IADLS: carrying groceries, cooking a meal, managing money, parenting)
- recommending special equipment or assistive devices / technology for use at home, school or work
- teaching the client and caregiver how to properly use adaptive equipment, like orthotics and / or braces
- recommending exercises to maintain range of motion, strength
- teaching the client and/or caregiver on exercises and home programmes for carryover in the home.
- compensatory strategies for loss of the limb
- transferring dominance training
- educating the client on energy effectiveness strategies and joint protection principles to promote well being
- environmental modifications (home and job-site)
- positioning to maintain range of motion, prevent contractures and minimize pain (e.g. splinting)
- scar management to prevent contractures, deformities and pain
