Amputation
Amputee Rehabilitation in Burlington
Regain Independence and Confidence After Amputation
Living with an amputation can bring physical, emotional, and lifestyle challenges. Pain, phantom sensations, muscle weakness, and difficulty with mobility are common. At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, our physiotherapists provide specialized care to help individuals adapt after amputation and regain confidence in daily activities.
What Causes Amputation
Amputation may be required due to several factors, including:
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Severe trauma or injury
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Vascular diseases (e.g., diabetes-related complications, peripheral artery disease)
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Infections that cannot be controlled
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Cancerous tumors in bones or soft tissues
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Congenital limb deficiencies
Understanding the cause of amputation helps guide rehabilitation strategies to maximize independence and function.
Symptoms and Challenges after Amputation
Following an amputation, people often experience:
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Phantom limb pain or sensations
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Difficulty with balance and coordination
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Reduced mobility and endurance
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Skin and soft tissue sensitivity near the residual limb
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Challenges with daily living tasks and returning to work or recreation
When To Seek Help
Recovering from an amputation is a lifelong journey that benefits from early and ongoing physiotherapy. You should seek help from a physiotherapist if:
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You are newly amputated and need support learning how to move safely, improve balance, or prepare for a prosthesis.
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You have been using a prosthetic limb and recently had significant adjustments done to the leg.
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You are experiencing phantom limb pain, residual limb pain, or sensitivity that makes daily activities difficult.
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You struggle with mobility, balance, or frequent falls while using crutches, a wheelchair, or a prosthesis.
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You feel weakness, stiffness, or reduced endurance that prevents you from returning to work, hobbies, or sports.
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You notice skin breakdown, swelling, or poor circulation around your residual limb that limits prosthesis use.
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You want to improve your confidence, independence, and quality of life after surgery.
Seek urgent medical care if you develop severe residual limb pain, infection signs (redness, pus, fever), sudden swelling, or inability to bear weight. These may require immediate medical attention before rehabilitation can continue.
Early physiotherapy intervention at Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center helps prevent complications, speeds up recovery, and ensures that you adapt successfully to prosthetic training and daily activities.
Why Choose Cogent Rehab Burlington?
At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center, we provide individualized amputation rehabilitation programs that focus on restoring mobility, improving strength, and enhancing quality of life.
Our experienced physiotherapists:
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Teach safe mobility strategies with or without a prosthesis
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Address phantom limb pain and residual limb care
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Incorporate balance, gait, and strengthening exercises
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Provide education, counseling, and long-term support
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Partner with prosthetists and healthcare teams for a comprehensive approach
FAQs About Amputation
Q1. How soon after an amputation should I start physiotherapy?
Rehabilitation often begins as soon as the residual limb is stable and cleared by your medical team. Early physiotherapy helps prevent complications and speeds recovery.
Q2. Can physiotherapy help with phantom limb pain?
Yes. Techniques such as mirror therapy, desensitization, and graded motor imagery can reduce phantom pain and improve comfort.
Q3. Do I need a prosthesis to start rehabilitation?
No. Physiotherapy can begin with exercises for the residual limb, core, and balance. Prosthetic training can be added once you are ready.
Q4. What if I don’t use a prosthesis?
Even if you choose not to use a prosthesis, physiotherapy can help you improve mobility, maintain balance, strengthen your residual limb, and prevent pain from overuse of your other joints.
Q5. How long does rehabilitation after amputation take?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the type of amputation, overall health, and goals. Some people need weeks, while others benefit from ongoing physiotherapy for months or years to maintain strength, prevent complications, and optimize mobility.
Q6. Can physiotherapy help with balance and fall prevention?
Yes. Balance training, core strengthening, and functional exercises are an essential part of amputation rehab. They help reduce fall risk and improve safety in daily activities.
Q7. What other services may help after amputation?
In addition to physiotherapy, you may benefit from occupational therapy, psychological support, and custom orthotic/prosthetic fitting. At Cogent Rehab, we provide coordinated care to support your recovery journey.