Besides the emotional effects of leg amputation, you have to learn how to get around with your amputated limb and possibly prepare for using a prosthetic limb. Post-amputation exercises help restore range of motion in your lower limbs and improve your strength and balance to get you back to doing the activities you enjoy.
Prone Hip Extension
Strengthening and stretching the muscles in your upper legs after an amputation is crucial for keeping them flexible and avoiding atrophy. To do the prone hip extension exercise, lie on your stomach on the floor or a bed. Rest your head on your hands crossed in front of you. Extend your legs behind you so your body is straight. Slowly lift your amputated leg off the floor as far as you can. Hold this position for 10 to 15 seconds, then allow your leg to slowly fall back to the ground. Rest for five seconds, then repeat the exercise 10 to 12 times as part of your workout routine.
Catch
Even the loss of just one of your limbs can have serious effects on your balance and equilibrium. That's why it's important to do activities and exercises that help you learn how to properly balance. A game of catch is one way to accomplish this. Sit in a hard-backed chair with no handrests and use a small medicine ball. Have a friend sit 5 to 7 feet away from you and softly toss the ball to you as you sit upright in the chair. Make sure there are no objects or anything around that could hurt you if you fall out of the chair. As you progress through the exercise, have your partner change directions of the throw, throwing it up, down and to the side to help you balance in different directions.
Pelvic Tilt
With the loss of your leg, you'll rely more on your pelvic muscles to keep your body balanced, making strengthening these muscles more of a priority. To do the pelvic tilt, lie on the floor on your back with your hands under the small of your back. Bend your non-amputated leg so your foot is flat on the floor. Tilt your pelvis down as much as you can so you squeeze your hands into the floor. Hold this position for five to 10 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 to 12 times.
Partial Sit-Up
The partial sit-up helps strengthen your core muscles, which helps you balance your entire body when standing or sitting. Lie on your back on the floor with your non-amputated leg bent and foot flat on the floor. Slowly curl your upper body and lift your upper back and head off the floor. Hold for one second, then slowly let your body fall back to the floor. Do 10 to 15 repetitions as part of your exercise routine.
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