Residual limb exercises strengthen and stretch the muscles that support your artificial limb. Exercises help improve your joint range of motion, bed mobility, body symmetry and prevent muscle atrophy in your artificial limb. Doing the exercises regularly will lower your risks of developing further joint injury. Since every individual differs, consult with your medical care provider prior to starting any new exercise program.
Hip Strengtheners
Strengthening your hip abductor muscles can improve your residual limb stability, according to the Amputee Coalition. Find an exercise mat to do this leg raising maneuver. Lay on your unaffected side. Place a pillow underneath your head to support your neck. Bend your elbows and place your arms near your head. Bend your unaffected knee and keep your leg flat on the table. Slowly and gently lift your residual limb leg toward the ceiling. Do not bend your back or lean forward. Hold this position for eight seconds. Slowly return your leg to the original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Extended Legs
Residual limb exercises need to include strengthening your hip adductor muscles in order to increase your residual limb stability and improve your body balance. Lay on your affected side on an exercise mat or table, or other flat surface, notes the Amputee Coalition. Slide your unaffected side leg toward the back of your body so it is away from your residual limb. Extend both legs so your toes are pointing forward. Place your arms over your chest. Breathe in slowly. Slowly and gently lift your residual limb leg from the surface. Lift your residual limb leg as high as possible toward the ceiling. Do not move your back or lay on your side. Let your leg do all the work. Hold this position eight seconds. Slowly lower your leg to the original position as you gently exhale or breathe out. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Aqua Lifts
Residual limb exercises can use the water to increase the health level of your residual limb area. Exercising in water supports the majority of your body weight, which can result in movements being more fluid and comfortable than if done on land. Be certain to wear a flotation device and goggle for safety purposes. Do some side arm lifts to increase your range of motion and strength of your upper body. Sit in chest-deep water, according to the UW Department of Medicine. Slowly and gently lift your arms to the side of your body, just below water level. Keep your palms facing downward and elbow or residual limb straight. Hold for five seconds. Return your arms to the original position. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Body Stretching
Residual limb exercises can stretch your entire body while laying in the prone position. Lay on your stomach on your bed or exercise mat with your legs fully extended, according to Mount Nittany Medical Center. Place your head onto a pillow or your hands. Lay so your hips are flat against the surface. Do not bend your back or hips. Slowly breathe in deeply as fully as possible. Feel the stretch along your hip muscles as gravity stretches your joints. Hold your breath for three seconds. Slowly exhale. Relax 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
References
- ACA; InMotion, Easy Read; Ways to Help Improve Stability of Your Residual Limb; Amputee Coalition of America; 2009
- Mount Nittany Medical Center; Lower Body Strengthening After Amputation Surgery; 2011
- UW Medicine, Orthopedics and Sports Medicine; Warm Water Exercises; UW Orthopedics and Sports Medicine; 2009
