Newsletter by Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics
NEWSLETTER
TRAVEL TIPS FOR AN AMPUTEE Have you been looking forward to traveling with things opening up again? Do you worry about the TSA screenings and dealing with insensitive airline personnel? Traveling with a prosthesis can be frustrating and Things to consider when traveling. As travel restrictions are lifted, more and more people plan vacations and/or visit family and friends. As an amputee, there are special considerations you need to make to ensure you have a relatively smooth trip. Being prepared can make all the difference. If you have never traveled with assistive devices such as a cane, walker, wheelchair, or crutches before your amputation, doing it with an amputation can be overwhelming. It is important to be prepared to go through the security lines with a prosthesis and be singled out by TSA to screen you. It’s a good idea to consider the following steps you can take before your trip:
Roger Howard, CPO, Director
challenging to keep calm. No matter what your plans may be, at Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics, our Certified Prosthetist Orthotists (CPO) will help you prepare adequately to enjoy your time and do what you love! There is a lot to deal with, especially for new amputees. One of the essential steps anyone with an amputation can take is to get back to their normal lifestyle, including traveling to visit family or just to see the world. Our team takes a collaborative-care approach to facilitate a positive physical, emotional and psychological response to traveling or any other activity. We can help you learn the tools needed for self-management strategies (e.g., diet, physical activity, medication management) to get back to doing what you love. At Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics, our CPO’s understand the importance of resuming activities that you enjoy for your overall well-being and adaptation to being an amputee. Request an appointment today, and we will work with you to figure out precisely what kind of device will benefit you the most and fit it precisely to your body to live your life comfortably once again!
• Get a medical checkup and meet with your prosthetist to check for any potential problems that need attention before departure day. • Make a checklist for medical and practical equipment (Allen wrenches, Super Glue, extra liners, sleeves, and sock ply to remedy any limb changes) • Be prepared for swelling and possible issues with prosthesis fitting properly • Understand airline and TSA rules • Hotel accommodations and accessibility When traveling, there are several guidelines and restrictions for all passengers, but there are other things to consider for amputees. Knowing what to expect can ease the frustrations and help make the trip more enjoyable! (continued inside)
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR CHECKLIST FOR TRAVEL
Other/miscellaneous: • Water shoes • Shoe Horn • Chargers
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One of the most challenging tasks for an amputee, especially when traveling for the first time, is making sure you pack correctly. Traveling can feel overwhelming, especially when traveling with assistive devices or a prosthetic limb, but the benefits are worth it! Below is a checklist of what we recommend you should have when traveling.
If you feel the urge to remove your prosthetic device while on your flight, remember you jeopardize not being able to put it back on. For shorter flights, it may be better to keep your prosthesis on for the entire trip, but for a long flight (over 4 hours), it is essential to take off your prosthesis and use a shrinker to ensure you minimize/prevent swelling during the flight. Request an appointment at Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics today! At Howard Orthotics & Prosthetics, our CPO’s are highly trained in fitting and designing the best possible prosthetic device for each patient’s individual needs. We will work with you to figure out precisely what kind of device will benefit you and fit it specifically to your body to live your life comfortably and travel wherever you want to go! Request an appointment with one of our CPO’s, and let us help you ensure you are adequately prepared for your travels! Sources: https://livingwithamplitude.com/ https://www.amputee-coalition.org/advocacy-awareness/ travel-questions-concerns/ https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/ fpsyg.2021.537493/full https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6437000/
Medical supplies: • Medication • Antibiotic Cream • Pain Killers • Band-aides of varying sizes • Alcohol wipes
Tools and equipment for prosthesis: • Extra Socks • Metric Allen Wrench set • Small hand towel to clean/dry prosthesis
• Prosthetic Antiperspirant • Extra Suspension Sleeve • Duct Tape
Skincare and amputation care: • Shrinker Socks • Moleskin for added padding if needed • Amp-Balm • Spenco 2nd Skin Blister Kit
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Try this simple exercise to help you feel better... Always consult your physician before starting exercises you are unsure of doing. BUTTERFLY STRETCH While in a sitting position, bend your knees and place the bottom of your feet together. Next, slowly let your knees lower towards the floor until a stretch is felt at your inner thighs. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat as needed. EXERCISE ESSENTIALS
Exercises copyright of
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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 - Jes P. “Two thumbs way up! The providers in this office go above and beyond for their patients. They take the time to answer any questions and clear up any confusion about any device you may be getting from their practice. They take the time to talk to and get to know the patients and create a very personable experience for each patient. 10/10!!”
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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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Does your brace or prosthesis Need a Tune-Up? • Consult with our experts • Review your problem • Receive Recommendations on relieving your pain and improving motion
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At Howard Orthotics and Prosthetics continuing education and making sure we are up to date on the latest technology is very important. Pictured below is Roger Howard, CPO at the PVA Company with the new 3-D Printer. Roger got to visit this new printer while attending the NYSAAOP meeting in Schenectady, NY. New 3D Printer at the PVA Company
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Offer is good for the First 20 people who schedule.
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