Above Knee Amputation

After undergoing an above-knee amputation, individuals face unique physical and functional challenges. At Ascent Rehabilitation, we understand the importance of physical therapy and exercise in promoting recovery and restoring mobility for individuals following this life-changing procedure. Our tailored programs aim to enhance residual limb healing, improve prosthetic fit and function, and address the increased cardiac demand associated with above-knee amputation to optimize overall well-being.

• Enhancement of Residual Limb Healing: Physical therapy interventions, including wound care management and therapeutic exercises, promote optimal healing of the residual limb, ensuring a strong foundation for prosthetic fitting and function (Liu et al., 2016).

• Improvement in Prosthetic Fit and Function: Targeted exercises and prosthetic training programs facilitate adaptation to the prosthetic limb, improving comfort, stability, and functional mobility (Hafner et al., 2011).

• Addressing Increased Cardiac Demand: Above-knee amputees experience increased cardiac output during walking due to the higher energy expenditure and demand on the cardiovascular system. Physical therapy and exercise programs focus on cardiovascular conditioning to improve endurance and cardiac efficiency (Kaufman et al., 2007).

• Optimization of Gait Mechanics: Gait training provided by physical therapists focuses on optimizing prosthetic gait mechanics, improving balance, and promoting a natural walking pattern, leading to enhanced functional mobility and confidence (Hafner et al., 2015).

• Reduction of Phantom Limb Pain: Physical therapy interventions, such as desensitization techniques and mirror therapy, alleviate phantom limb pain, improving comfort and facilitating prosthetic use (Ehde et al., 2000).