Vascular and amputees
We offer an inpatient rehabilitation programme for people undergoing lower limb amputation, including prosthetic fitting assessment and rehabilitation. The team also provide physiotherapy for patients following vascular surgery intervention (e.g. bypass graft or toe amputation).
Who receives physiotherapy?
- All patients on the vascular ward are screened for physiotherapy requirement and seen as necessary.
- All amputees are assessed and a rehabilitation programme devised according to individual patient needs and goals.
What will physiotherapy involve?
- Physiotherapy after vascular surgery will involve exercises to improve your movement and strength, as well as regaining your mobility walking and tackling stairs. You may need to use a walking aid like a wheeled frame or crutches.
- Following amputation of your leg, rehabilitation will include assessment for an artificial leg (prosthesis). However, you will initially learn to use a wheelchair and transfer independently with the supervision of the therapists. Balance re-education and functional tasks will be practised in the therapy gym.
How can I help avoid vascular disease?
A major cause of vascular disease is smoking, so it would be advisable if you could cut down or even stop smoking. If you are diabetic then making sure you keep your blood sugar levels stable will be beneficial.
