Amputation
MSA Hand Clinic is the only clinic in the area offering patients with a team approach. You’ll meet with your surgeon, occupational therapist, prosthetist, and a social worker who is also an amputee to create a customized care plan for you. We utilize the most innovative surgical and technological approaches and provide ongoing prosthetics support and peer support groups.
What to Expect, Post-Amputation
Most patients will experience some pain after amputation surgery, which can be controlled with medication, hand therapy, orthotics (braces or other supports), and the use of ice and heat. Your doctor will let you know how to bandage and care for the surgical site, and will schedule a follow-up office visit with you.
Keep your doctor up to date on nerve pain, including cold sensitivity, abnormal sensations, severe pain in a small area, or phantom sensation (the feeling that the amputated part is still present). Oftentimes early treatment of symptoms is the most successful.
Hand Therapy
Your surgeon may recommend that you see a hand therapist as part of your recovery. Therapy can help you regain function, build strength, increase range of motion, and reduce pain. Your therapist will provide exercises for your to do at home, which are critical to enjoying a complete recovery. If you have a prosthesis, your therapist will also help you learn to use it.
Emotional Recovery
Losing a body part can be upsetting; it can take time to adapt to the changes in your appearance and ability to function after amputation. MSA Hand Clinic runs a support group for upper extremity amputees; contact us for more information.
Online Resource
The Amputee Coalition is a helpful resource; visit them at amputee-coalition.org.