Prosthetics

While there are cosmetic alternatives and even devices that share a similar shape to your sound limb, it is very difficult to duplicate the appearance of your other limb. Protective covers from companies like Alleles Design Studio are typically covered by insurance providers and come in various skin tones.

Some prosthetic devices are water safe but you must still take off the prosthesis in order to properly clean your residual limb. Using a shower chair is usually the safest and most effective method to maintaining proper hygiene of your limb.

Yes, most insurances pay for a large portion of your prosthetic device and supplies. A quick phone call with our insurance specialist can help you understand your coverage and provide financial planning. Call your local clinic or call our main line at 1-800-232-6436.

You and your prosthetist should discuss any devices that you like or want. These types of conversations will help your prosthetist provide you with the most appropriate prosthetic device based on your functional ability, lifestyle, and goals.

Shuttle lock (aka Locking pin), lanyard, sleeve, vacuum, joint and corset.

Typically 3-5 appointments.

Yes. Your assistive device will still be needed for times when you aren’t using your prosthesis or if your prosthesis is causing issues and you are unable to wear it.

No, JP&O Ottobock.care recommends you speak with your doctor or primary care provider.

Learning to walk with the assistance of a prosthesis is a challenging task. Physical therapy will help to develop both your mind and body for this task. A physical therapist will work on strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and gait mechanics to help you reach your highest level of physical function and independence. Their goal is to get you back to participating in the tasks you feel are most important. A physical therapist can also answer questions you might have, such as, maintaining proper socket fit and wear schedules. They are someone to assist you in education, accountability, and encouragement. With various therapy environments available such as inpatient, outpatient and home health, we heavily encourage you to take full advantage of physical therapy in the environment that best suits your personal needs.

Everyone who undergoes an amputation has this question but there is a different answer for every individual. There are many variables that go into answering this question. Such as, the level of amputation and the level of physical function prior to amputation. Generally speaking the higher on the limb the amputation and the more strength that needs to be gained, the longer it takes to walk. An individual with a lower level of amputation, such as below the knee and adequate strength, may be able to do some light walking the day they obtained their prosthesis. However, an individual with a higher level amputation, such as above the knee and a lower level of strength, may take weeks or even months before they can walk without someone assisting them.  

Wounds are not something that should be taken lightly. Poor management of a wound could result in infection and further amputation of the limb. If you develop a wound, you should notify your prosthetist immediately and try to stay out of your prosthesis as much as possible. Bandages can increase pressure over the wound and actually make the issue worse. Be sure to keep the wound clean and contact a doctor immediately if there is any increasing amounts of drainage, thickening or discoloring of drainage, as this maybe a sign of infection. For wounds taking longer than normal to heal, you should see your doctor.