Newsletter by Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics
NEWSLETTER
CLOTHING OPTIONS FOR AMPUTEES
Are you frustrated with how difficult it is to fit clothes over your bulky prosthetic and how your clothes make adjustments to your prosthesis even more difficult? Have you noticed that since your lower extremity amputation, getting dressed in the morning has been challenging and painful? You are not alone! The good news is that more and more comfortable and easy to adjust clothing options are available– that look good too! It is estimated that around two million people in the United States live with limb loss. Although this seems like many people, finding fashionable adaptive options is still tricky. It is far more common to see an amputee frustrated with their clothing and shoe options. At Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics, our prosthetist/orthotist will work with you to ensure you have the best possible fit and to give you suggestions and recommendations for finding clothing that meets your needs! Request an appointment today with one of our experts, and we’ll do our best to help in any way we can! What is adaptive clothing? Adaptive clothes are specially designed for people with all types of disabilities. The primary goal is incorporating
function while staying fashionable. Often this means creating clothing and footwear so you can get dressed or check on a prosthesis easier. Going to a store and trying on clothes is not a simple, straightforward option most of the time. Too often, wearing anything from everyday clothes to business casual for work or dressing nicer for whatever occasion requires a lot of planning and preparation. From challenges with balance while trying on clothes to clothes fitting perfectly everywhere except over the prosthesis, finding properly fitting clothes can be difficult to say the least. The good news is there are more choices for adaptive clothing, and these options come in many different forms and styles, including magnetic closures instead of buttons, zippers, or flat hems that are less prone to catching or snagging. Adaptive clothing is as much about the physical benefits as the psychological benefits. Quality adaptive clothing should make the wearer feel good about themselves and promote a sense of well-being. (continued inside)
HOW A PROPER PROSTHESIS FITTING CAN HELP
(continued from outside) For lower extremity amputees, there are now styles that incorporate stretch into the fabrics allowing a better fit and more comfortable options. In addition, you can find pants with a zipper that extends up the leg to enable people with suction sockets to access the very top of their legs without having to pull their pants down in public. Amputees are proactive, and some created clothing lines that are easy to get on and off, fit over a prosthesis, and are reinforced to withstand increased wear and tear from the prosthesis. In other cases, clothes can be tailored to eliminate the excess material of a long sleeve or pant leg or address specific issues an individual has with the fit of their clothing. How a proper prosthesis fitting can help. A prosthetic device will help you resume your normal activities comfortably and confidently and help you find the right fit for your clothing. A proper fitting prosthetic device can help you with everyday tasks such as standing when putting on clothing or walking in and out of stores when shopping for clothes. Basic tasks like getting dressed daily are made easier with a prosthetic device that fits properly. Gaining more independence is the most significant benefit of having a prosthesis
made for you! Although adaptive clothing is also essential, the more functional your device, the more likely your balance, coordination, and overall function will be. Prosthetic training is vital for people living with amputation’s physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being. You will also need to learn to trust your prosthesis and manage it throughout the day. The proper support can make all the difference in helping you maximize your independence and finding solutions to the obstacles. Request an appointment at Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics today! At Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics, our Certified Prosthetist/ Orthotists (CPOs) are highly trained in fitting and designing the best possible prosthetic device for your individual needs. We will work with you to figure out precisely what kind of device will benefit you and fit it precisely to your body. Request an appointment with one of our CPOs and learn more about our resources to help you find the right adaptive clothes while staying fashionable! Sources: https://aip.scitation.org/doi/abs/10.1063/5.0077081 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6181602/ https://www.amputee-coalition.org/
Try this simple exercise to help you feel better... Always consult your physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing. SINGLE LEG STAND Start by standing up straight with your feet approximately shoulder-width apart. Place your fingertips on your hips to make sure your hips are even with each other throughout the exercise and your pelvis is parallel with the floor. Slowly raise one foot slightly off the ground and make sure your hips stay even. Do not let one drop below the other. Hold as directed. Place your foot down and repeat this with the other leg. Again, do not let either hip drop or raise. Repeat 2 sets of 1 rep, 30 seconds each. EXERCISE ESSENTIALS
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Save these in a place where you can easily use them as needed. Watch for more exercises in our next issue. SAVE Please share these exercises with friends and family members to help them stay healthy and free from pain.
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PATIENT SUCCESS STORY
Success Story - James C. “Results—Although I realize that they are not final, they are most encouraging to date. I find my greatest satisfaction is being able to walk side-by-side (although not running yet!) with my grandchildren. It is nice to have two legs to stand on once again. Thank you all at Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics.”
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Are you in pain? Have you sustained an injury? Give us a call today to schedule an appointment! WATERTOWN: (315) 786-8973 CANTON: (315) 714-2325
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Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics Is ABC Accredited!
Since 1948, American Board for Certification has set the quality standards for the orthotic, prosthetic, and pedorthic professions and today, represents the highest ideals in profession.
Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics and happy to share that our clinics have been accredited again! This is a high honor we are proud to acknowledge and presents us as a clinic at the top of the standards for our industry and patients.
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