Amputee Rehabilitation

Specialized Care for Patients Recovering from Limb Loss

1.7 million Americans today live with limb loss, a dramatic change in a person’s life that not only affects the person who lost a limb but also their family and entire support system.

The amputation rehabilitation program at University Hospitals Avon Rehabilitation Hospital provides patients recovering from limb loss with individualized treatment plans to maximize their independence. The goal of treatment is to help patients achieve their potential and return them to a productive, rewarding lifestyle.

Amputee program clinicians collaborate with the patients’ surgical team and offer access to a range of medical specialists from University Hospitals.

Patient Care

Adjusting to a limb loss is a major part of an individual’s physical, emotional, work and personal life. Each patient receives three daily hours of direct therapy, in addition to around-the-clock nursing care.

Therapists at UH Avon Rehabilitation Hospital weave coping strategies, education and practical solutions into a patient’s stay, while rehabilitation nurses ensure that therapy continues throughout the day and encourage patients to use techniques provided by their therapy team.

Pain is another factor that can significantly affect patients. Residual limb (stump) pain and phantom pain can be complex and confusing, but both are very real. The care team tailors pain treatment to maximize an individual’s comfort and performance while participating in rehabilitation.

Throughout treatment, a patient’s family or support system are an integral part of the rehabilitation team and help to identify individual needs and goals. The treatment team meets to assess progress and develop or adjust treatment goals based on each individual’s specific needs.