Physical Therapy Following Above-the-Knee Amputation
Above-the-knee or transfemoral amputation is a significant surgery that significantly impacts daily life.
Above-the-knee or transfemoral amputation is a significant surgery that significantly impacts daily life. It is a surgical procedure to remove the lower limb above the knee joint when that limb is severely damaged or diseased due to various reasons. During the process, the vascular or orthopedic surgeon tries to keep as many healthy tissues and bones as possible. Most people receive a prosthetic limb post-surgery.
Amputation is more prevalent among people 65 years of age or older. Furthermore, it is performed due to inadequate blood flow in the lower leg or a severe infection not treatable through other options. Physical therapy is beneficial for above-the-knee amputation both before and after the surgery.
Reasons for above-the-knee amputation
A person may need transfemoral amputation due to:
Injury or trauma
Diabetes
Peripheral vascular disease
Tumors in the bone or muscle
Nerve tissue thickening
Infection
Irreparable poor circulation
Physical therapy and an above-the-knee amputation
Pre-surgery
Seeking assistance from a physical therapist is beneficial before the surgery. An experienced therapist educates about walking with a walker, crutches, or other equipment. They also inform the patient about expectations after the procedure is completed and prescribe exercises to do before the operation to improve upper and lower leg flexibility and strength.
Post-surgery
Physical therapy usually begins after the condition of the amputee stabilizes. A physical therapist reviews the surgical and medical history before starting the treatment. The initial treatment includes simple stretching and exercises to improve the range of motion, teaching basic activities like rolling in bed, moving to the chair, sitting at the bedside, and educating about how to position the limb correctly to avoid contractures. A physical therapist helps the patient learn to walk, stand, or use a wheelchair and other assistive devices.
Physical therapy following above-the-knee amputation is also beneficial as it:
Avoid contractures
Lack of movement post-surgery can cause the muscles and soft tissues to turn stiff and fibrous. A physical therapist educates about maintaining a normal posture and positioning exercises to improve range-of-motion at the hip to prevent contracture from becoming permanent. Maintaining the correct position is vital during the recovery and even after completing the rehabilitation process.
Manages any swelling and maintains compression
Physical therapy helps maintain compression on the residual limb by wrapping it with elastic bandages, plaster cast, rigid dressing, or applying a postoperative prosthesis of plaster or plastic, depending on the individual situation, and using an elastic shrinker sock.
Alleviates pain
Pain is an inseparable part of every surgery. Physical therapy helps with pain management through:
Massage and joint manipulation
Residual limb management
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or TENS
Desensitization
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process of the amputee and usually focuses on:
Improving muscle strength and flexibility
Improving wheelchair use or learning to walk with assistive devices
Helping achieve full physical potential
Increasing quality of life
How to successfully use a new prosthetic limb and how to put it on and take it off
Building upper body strength
Making everyday activities easier to perform independently
Physical therapy and rehabilitation have helped several patients with above-the-knee amputation. Get in touch with a physical therapist to discuss your condition and seek assistance.
If you are looking for occupational or physical therapy, vestibular rehab, wheelchair training, learning to walk, unweighting aquatic therapy, or other services in the Phoenix area, please call Touchstone Rehabilitation at 602-277-1073.