Are there any mobility exercises that should be performed for the lower limb amputee shortly after surgery?
Mobility for a lower limb amputee is an important issue. Shortly after surgery is completed and as long as the person is medically stable, both physical and occupational therapists can begin giving the new amputee techniques that will help improve mobility. One of the first skills taught to the amputee is how to move around in bed. A new above- or below-knee amputee may find it difficult to move in bed, particularly if surgery caused them to become weak and deconditioned. Even though the patient may not want to move because of pain and fatigue, bed mobility is extremely important since it prevents the development of pressure sores that can lead to secondary problems like infection, further surgery and limb loss. One way a new amputee can move in bed is with the use of a trapeze. A trapeze is an apparatus that may be attached to the person’s bed and hangs over his head. This trapeze gives the new amputee the ability to grab onto something and if he is strong enough to move his body in b
