Amputee Treatment and Rehab
Through the amputee rehabilitation program, we offer a full range of amputee support and rehabilitation from pre-amputation evaluation to advanced prosthetic training, assuring medical management throughout the process.
Amputee Treatment and Rehab
Inpatient and outpatient amputee rehabilitation
Through the amputee rehabilitation program at Bryn Mawr Rehab, we help patients experience how full life can be after losing a limb. We offer a full range of inpatient and outpatient amputee support and rehabilitation from pre-amputation evaluation to advanced prosthetic training, assuring medical management throughout the entire process.
Our experienced team brings tireless creativity to every program, tailoring treatment based on each patient's physical endurance, lifestyle and vocational needs.
As a comprehensive amputee rehabilitation hospital, we offer a full range of treatment services which can begin at any one of these points:
- Initial inpatient stay after amputation (Phase 1)
- Outpatient amputee clinic for prosthetic fitting
- Inpatient or outpatient prosthetic training (Phase 2)
- Outpatient therapy for advanced prosthetic training
- Maintenance/follow-up in the amputee clinic
Treatment for amputees typically includes physical and occupational therapy, nursing, physiatry, psychology and case management. Recreational therapy and diabetic education are included, if appropriate.
Bryn Mawr Rehab Amputee Treatment and Rehabilitation Program
Most amputees at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital are over the age of 65. Two-thirds of these patients have single or double amputations below the knee.
Inpatient amputee support group
This support group is open to those on inpatient units who have experienced limb amputation. The group is led by a psychologist with a focus on adjustment issues following amputation. Family members are also invited to attend.
The group meets every Wednesday from 4:00–4:30 pm in the Spruce Gym. For further information call the psychology department at 484.596.5430.
Outpatient amputee clinic for prosthetic fitting
Following inpatient care, patients are discharged to Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital outpatient services or home care for additional therapy. This phase of treatment teaches advanced skills to ensure safety, while achieving the highest level of independence. Therapy may continue during wound healing, depending on the patient's progress.
Our protocol of three hours of intensive therapy a minimum of five days a week brings a comprehensive team approach to rehabilitation.
CARF International Three-Year Accreditation
Consumers, their families, and the public look for CARF accreditation as assurance that providers strive to offer the highest quality services. CARF International is an independent, accrediting body of health and human services. CARF-accredited service providers have applied CARF's comprehensive set of standards for quality to their business and service delivery practices. This means that they have demonstrated conformance to proven standards for business practices and are committed to continuous quality improvement. Each provider’s commitment to excellence is periodically evaluated on site and reconfirmed annually.
Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital received accreditation for the following inpatient rehabilitation programs: comprehensive integrated inpatient rehabilitation program (adults); amputation specialty program (adults); brain injury specialty program (adults, children, adolescents); spinal cord system of care (adults); stroke specialty program (adults); and interdisciplinary outpatient medical rehabilitation programs: brain injury specialty program (adults, children adolescents); spinal cord system of care (adults).
Outpatient therapy for advanced prosthetic training
Following inpatient prosthetic training, or in some cases in place of, our team offers advanced prosthetic training on an outpatient basis. This stage of the amputee rehabilitation process builds on the skills learned in Phase 2 and focuses on maximizing a patient's independence without assistive devices, as appropriate. After mastering the initial prosthesis, patients are fitted with a permanent prosthesis and continue training to fine-tune walking with the permanent prosthetic device.
We offer amputee therapy at convenient outpatient locations throughout the western suburbs of Philadelphia.
Maintenance/follow-up in the amputee clinic
We offer ongoing follow-up care, regardless of where a patient first received care. Gait, skin and prosthetic fit are assessed and a fine-tuned prosthetic alignment is completed, if needed. We welcome patients to follow up as needed with questions or concerns, or to replace a prosthesis, if needed.
Outpatient amputee support group
This group provides information and emotional support for those who’ve experienced amputation of a limb. Family and friends are also welcome. Coordinated by our staff therapists who serve as an informational resource, the group members help each other solve practical problems and manage the challenges posed by amputation. The amputee support group meets on the third Thursday of the month from 5:00–6:30 pm. To confirm meeting details, call 484.596.5566 or email amputeesupportgroup@mlhs.org.
On average, patients begin prosthetic training three months after their initial surgery. Upon discharge, 93 percent return home. Most patients finish amputee rehabilitation being able to complete a majority of daily tasks, like walking or getting in and out of bed, without assistance.
Family support for amputees
Support from family can make a dramatic improvement to a patient's progress after amputation. For that reason, we incorporate family training into the amputee rehabilitation program. Our dedicated team provides training to teach family members how best to assist the patient in order to transition to home. To stay close during the initial inpatient stay, family traveling from afar may take advantage of our on-site family accommodations. Amputees face many unique challenges during rehabilitation and we keep family informed and involved throughout the entire process.
Driver Rehab Program
We also provide driving evaluations and training through our occupational therapist-led driver rehab program.
Amputees typically do two rounds of rehabilitation—one immediately after amputation and one when they’re ready for prosthetic training. The inpatient stay after amputation is generally seven to 14 days with 76 percent of patients returning home upon discharge.
Medical Rehabilitation
Combining medical practice with therapeutic rehabilitation, the inpatient medical rehab program supports patients with a wide range of acute or chronic conditions that cause temporary or permanent disability. Our goal is always to help patients regain as much independence as possible.
Concussion Rehab
One of the first acute rehabilitation hospitals in the country to provide treatment for brain injury, we’re recognized as a leader in the field of concussion treatment and recovery.
Stroke Rehab
Inpatient and outpatient stroke rehabilitation treatment and complex stroke treatment. We develop a unique stroke rehab therapy plan that help patients immediately build on their strengths and learn to compensate for limitations.
Hand Therapy
A hand therapy specialist is well-versed in a variety of methods and works to develop a personalized regimen for the unique needs of every patient. Our patients come from all walks of life—from young athletes to long-term arthritis sufferers to accidental burn victims.
Speech Therapy
Our multidisciplinary approach to inpatient and outpatient speech therapy rehab includes expert diagnosis and treatment of speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders led by master’s-level, licensed and certified speech pathologists.
Spinal Cord Rehab
Where you’ll receive innovative inpatient and outpatient spinal cord rehabilitation care at one of the country's most respected acute rehabilitation hospitals, and 92 percent of our inpatients reach their goals upon discharge and 83 percent of outpatients meet theirs.
Driver Rehab
Independence is a major goal of every rehabilitation program. For over 30 years, the driver rehabilitation program at Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital has offered a unique way for patients to return to this crucial aspect of their lives.