Exercising at home following an amputation can help you regain your strength and flexibility. With a lower limb amputation, you can perform most exercises without a prosthesis, as you will lie on your back or sit in a chair. Your fitness level will increase the more you exercise and work your body and your residual limbs. Exercises will also help strengthen your back, important after both arm and leg amputations, according to the National Amputee Centre. Consult your physical therapist before engaging in a home exercise routine to make sure the exercises are right for your condition.
Exercises for Hip And Back Alignment
If one or both your legs are amputated, you need to improve the extension of your knees, hips and back by lying flat on your back. Remain in this position for at least 30 minutes twice each day, then turn over and lie on your stomach for an additional 20 minutes. These exercises are simple but important to give your body a sense of alignment while being fully supported by the floor or mattress. You can prop up your chest with pillows to allow for easy breathing. This exercise will also help if you have an arm amputation, as having strong back muscles will help you support your artificial limb, notes Lakehead University Kinesiology Department.
Exercises to Strengthen Hip Abductors
To lift your pelvis from the ground, you must lie on your amputated limb and place a rolled-up thick towel under it to lift your pelvis, keeping your other leg extended. With this exercise you will engage your gluteus medius, which is the muscle located on the outer surface of your pelvis. Keep your pelvis forward and do not flex your hip. Perform this exercise on both sides of your body for a well-rounded exercise routine.
Exercises to Strengthen Abdominals
Strengthening your abdominal muscles will benefit your overall health and fitness level after an amputation. For these exercises, you need the help of a family member or physical therapist to hold down your amputated lower limb while you perform sit-ups. This is not necessary if you have an arm amputation. If you would rather perform your exercise routine alone and have a lower limb amputation, you can strap on weights to keep the amputated limb flat on the ground. Failing to keep this portion of the lower limb on the ground may cause your hips to become unstable, injuring your hips and core muscles.
Exercises for Arm Strength
If you are using a wheelchair to perform your daily activities after an amputation, you need to strengthen your arm muscles so that you don't get tired easily. The use of hand weights generates resistance as you lift your arms over your head and out to your sides. You can also lie flat on your stomach and perform a series of push-ups after your 20 minutes of hip and back alignment exercises.
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