When should therapy start for an upper limb amputee?
Physical and occupational therapy should be started soon after and if possible before upper limb amputation. Goals of this therapy are several and include desensitization of the residual limb, improved range of motion (ROM), strengthening, care of the residual limb, education, introduction of a prosthesis and the appropriate ordering and use of adaptive equipment. Once it is approved by the surgeons who performed the amputation, desensitization techniques such as those described above should begin. With these techniques, it is important that excessive scarring is prevented since this can produce pain and hinder normal prosthesis use. Preventing contractures at the elbow and shoulder is important during the rehabilitation process. Stretching of the elbow and shoulder flexors can prevent contractures from occurring. These can be particularly problematic in individuals who have a burn. The physical and occupational therapists can show appropriate exercises for this but also can show the a
