PHYSICAL FITNESS
 |
 |
 |
The importance of staying in good physical shape cannot be overemphasized. Several often quoted studies from the medical literature state: it takes 100% to 200%+ more energy to walk with a hip-disarticulation or hemipelvectomy prosthetic than "normal" walking. Similar studies have also been done comparing energy consumption of crutch use alone or combinations of assistive devices and prosthesis with similar results. Forget the numbers. The exact number is not important. What is important is to realize that it takes a lot of stamina to ambulate with either a prosthetic or crutches. If you really want to be active and mobile, using a prosthetic or not, you need to develop stamina. No one can do this for you. You must do it for yourself.
Be realistic and personally honest. Each of us is slightly different. After major surgery, and for some, chemotherapy or radiation therapy, you are bound to be debilitated to some degree. Studies have been done about the loss of fitness during even brief periods of bed rest. Common sense dictates that it takes time to recuperate and build up your strength. You do not need a scientific study to tell you this. If you were a couch potato and didn't exercise regularly when you had two legs, or are significantly overweight, don't expect to become trim and physically fit overnight. If you have other, non-amputation related medical problems, such as lung or heart disease, this too will be a factor in your rehabilitation. The younger and healthier you were when you became a HD or HP the better. BUT, no matter how old you are or what shape you are in now, there are ways of improving your physical condition.
We high level amputees must become athletes to some degree just to function successfully in the activities of daily life. Athletes require constant training and need to practice their skills to maintain an adequate level of physical fitness; and avoid injury. Some may ask, "But I have one leg, how can I exercise?" Find those activities you enjoy doing over the long term, then you won't think of it as exercise at all. Certainly it's more difficult for us but don't look for excuses - look for possibilities. We merely need to adapt standard exercises and to be inventive and learn there are ways that we hips and hemi's can remain physically fit.
There is no substitute for a knowledgeable Physical Therapist. To obtain an optimal outcome, you should be referred to a rehabilitation facility which is qualified and experienced in dealing with high level amputees. Unfortunately, since we are so uncommon, few such facilities and PT's have the experience necessary. In today's world of "managed care", your choices may be limited further still.
Author's note: Back in 1962 I was sent for my rehab to
the Rusk Institute in New York City, affiliated with New York Hospital at the time. I have
no idea if they still exist, or under what name. Their staff was wonderful and I learned
how to walk but times have changed and I realize now how much more I could have learned. I
would like to create and provide a list of qualified rehab centers and PT's throughout the
country on this site for the benefit of new amputees. If you have had a good experience or
can recommend any in your area, please contact the author at the address below. No
advertising is accepted, only personal recommendations from satisfied clients will be
listed.
The following Rehab facilities have been recommended by your fellow HP/HD's:
Linda McLaren, BSR (PT)
Clinical Resource Physiotherapist - Amputation
Outpatient Amputee Program
GF Strong Rehab Centre
4255 Laurel Street
Vancouver, B.C. Canada V5T 3A6
(604) 737-6282
lmclaren@vanhosp.bc.ca
Kaiser Foundation Rehab Center
975 Sereno Dr
Vallejo, CA 94590
(707) 651-1044
(You will need a referral from your primary care
physician)
