Amputee & Limb Loss Rehabilitation

The Amputee and Limb Loss Rehabilitation 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 includes a pre-prosthetic program and prosthetic training when appropriate.

The clinical treatment team of the Amputee and Limb Loss Rehabilitation Program at TIRR Memorial Hermann 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."

Affiliated with the Amputee Coalition

TIRR Memorial Hermann is affiliated with the Amputee Coalition, a leading advocacy group for amputees and their families, to provide education, peer support, and training for patients, families and community members. Learn more at the Amputee Coalition website.

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
• Learning the skills necessary to achieve maximum independence without a prosthesis.

The treatment team at TIRR Memorial Hermann 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.

This manual was prepared to help you and your family become familiar with the Amputee & Limb Loss Rehabilitation Program at TIRR Memorial Hermann. Patient and family education is one of the most important parts of a successful rehabilitation program. Our goal is to help you understand the medical issues and therapy needs of all persons referred to the Limb Loss Program.

Download the Rehab After Limb Loss Manual

The information presented in this document is educational and not intended as medical advice or the practice of medicine. Specific aspects of your outcomes and care should be addressed and answered after consultation with your physician.

Download the Rehab Specialty fact sheet for more information about the program and patient outcomes.

• Program Outcomes Fact Sheet
• Program Outcomes Fact Sheet - Español

To make a referral or to schedule an appointment, please call 1 (800) 44-REHAB (73422), (713) 797-5942, fax (713) 797-5988 or fill out our online forms by clicking the buttons below.

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