If you are recovering from upper limb amputation surgery or were born with congenital upper limb difference, you may receive OT therapy as part of your treatment plan. OT professionals often specialize in helping patients after upper limb loss stay as healthy, independent and productive as possible. Academic studies have shown that people who have upper limb loss and receive effective rehabilitation experience improved individual functionality and satisfaction, as well as self-care and independence (1).

The good news is, many ForMotion locations are specialized centers for advanced care after upper or lower limb amputation, guided by a collaborative team of physical therapists and prosthetists along with OTs and other expert medical professionals. Everyone on the ForMotion team is dedicated to delivering the highest level of innovative, personalized care possible. 

Your ForMotion OT care may include extensive training to help you achieve your functional goals related to activities of daily living, such as exercises to enhance your range of motion, fine motor skills, coordination, strength and posture. Your occupational therapist also may work with you to develop adaptative strategies that address your specific limb challenges and lifestyle requirements. They also can provide suggestions for energy conservation techniques, which can help reduce over-reliance or overuse of your sound-size limb.  

Some people find dealing with the realities of living with amputation to be overwhelmingly stressful, and this may be further magnified when they consider the variety of prosthetic and adaptive technologies that are available today. Please be assured that you do not have to be alone on this journey. If you are considering prosthetic options after arm or hand amputation, your ForMotion care team can help guide you through the process of assessing the various options and determine the best prosthetic and adaptive technologies for your circumstances.

• We can offer a wide variety of leading prosthetic and adaptive device brands and products. If you are living with upper limb amputation, depending on your needs and residual limb anatomy, your options may include advanced electronic, myoelectric, body-powered and hybrid devices, specialty and activity-specific devices, and passive functional aesthetic protheses that serve primarily cosmetic purposes. If you have had lower limb amputation or are living with lower limb difference, you may be able to choose from an array of prosthetic solutions from various companies, all designed to help you achieve your mobility goals. 
• Your clinician determines the best product choice for you based on a variety of variables specific to you. Then your ForMotion team will perform your fitting and provide advanced prosthetic, so that you can learn how to properly operate and control your prosthesis and begin using it in your daily life. 
• When it comes to prosthetics, it’s all about the right fit – and that pertains not only to your device or prosthesis, but with your care team as well. At ForMotion clinics across the U.S., you will be supported by a coordinated team of medical professionals all focused on the same goal: to help you find the best solutions to address your personal needs and challenges, so you can continue moving forward with a better quality of life.  

To learn more or schedule an appointment with your ForMotion care team, find your clinic here.

(1) Soyer K, Unver B, Tamer S, Ulger O. The importance of rehabilitation concerning upper extremity amputees: A Systematic review. Pak J Med Sci. 2016 Sep-Oct;32(5):1312-1319. doi: 10.12669/pjms.325.9922. PMID: 27882044; PMCID: PMC5103156.