Below Knee Amputation

Adjusting to life after a below-knee amputation requires specialized care to optimize prosthetic fit, function, and mobility. At Ascent Rehabilitation, we recognize the critical role of physical therapy and exercise in promoting recovery and facilitating prosthetic adaptation. Our tailored programs focus on enhancing residual limb healing, preventing contractures, improving prosthetic tolerance, and providing gait training to support individuals in achieving optimal mobility and independence.

• Residual Limb Healing: Physical therapy interventions, including wound care management and gentle exercises, promote optimal healing of the residual limb, ensuring a strong foundation for prosthetic fitting and function (Aldekhayel et al., 2015).

• Prevention of Contractures and Joint Stiffness: Early mobilization and range of motion exercises prescribed by physical therapists prevent contractures and stiffness in adjacent joints, facilitating better prosthetic fit and function (Cooper et al., 2001).

• Enhancement of Prosthetic Tolerance: Targeted exercises strengthen remaining muscles and improve balance, enabling individuals to tolerate and use their prosthetic limb effectively, enhancing mobility and independence (Wong et al., 2013).

• Improvement in Gait Quality: Gait training programs provided by physical therapists focus on optimizing prosthetic gait mechanics, improving stability, and promoting a natural walking pattern, leading to enhanced functional mobility and confidence (Miller et al., 2018).

• 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 (Nikolajsen et al., 1997).