Amputee Rehabilitation

The Amputee Program at TIRR Memorial Hermann prepares patients and their families to cope physically and psychologically with the traumatic or surgical loss of a limb, or a congenital limb deficiency.

The rehabilitation process begins postoperatively with a pre-prosthetic program that focuses on preparing the limb for a possible prosthesis. The goals of this phase of rehabilitation are wound and pain management, proper positioning and prevention of contractures, building strength and endurance, and learning the skills necessary to achieve maximum independence without a prosthesis.

The treatment team at TIRR works with the patient to determine if prosthetic training is appropriate. If so, the next phase of rehabilitation involves team collaboration with a prosthetist to determine the type of prosthesis, followed by an intensive training program to ensure optimal fit and function. Once the patient’s prosthetic training is completed, outpatient follow-up assures continued comfort and functional independence with the prosthesis.

The clinical treatment team of the Amputee Program at TIRR is internationally recognized, particularly for their work with patients with upper-limb and multiple amputations. As a Center of Excellence, the program has been awarded significant research grants, including one from the Veterans Administration entitled “Establishing Standards of Care: Upper Limb Prosthetic Services,” and a grant from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for “Applying Space Technology to Enhance Control of an Artificial Arm.”

To learn more about participating in the Amputee Program at TIRR Memorial Hermann, call 713-797-5942.