Is Your Child Recovering From An Amputation? How To Help Them Adjust To Their New Prosthetic

2 October 2019
 Categories: , Blog

Share

If your child has recently endured the amputation of a limb, and they're awaiting their prosthetic, now's the time to help them prepare for the transition. Adjusting to the use of a prosthetic can take time, and it isn't always an easy process. However, with careful planning and a strong support system, your child will adjust to the changes that have taken place in their life. Here are just four of the steps you can take to help your child adjust to their new prosthetic. 

Give Your Child Time to Adjust

As stated above, your child will need to go through a period of adjustment as they learn to use their new prosthetic limb. It's important that you give them the time they need to make those adjustments.

One of the best things you can do is reach out to your orthopedist. They can sit down and discuss the process with your child. They can also help your child customize their prosthesis. Children often adjust better when they have the ability to customize their own prosthetics, such as through the use of custom colors and graphics. 

Encourage Practice Time

Once your child has their prosthetic, they'll need to learn how to use it. During this time, it's important that you encourage plenty of practice time.

At first, your child may feel uncomfortable using the prosthetic limb. They may even refuse to put it on. By encouraging plenty of practice, your child will develop the independence that will make prosthetic use easier to adjust to. 

Allow Classmates to Interact

If your child is in school, they may feel apprehensive about returning to class with their new prosthetic. Their classmates may have questions about the prosthetic as well.

To make the transition back to school easier on your child, allow and encourage classmate interaction. Taking a few minutes to answer questions before class resumes will help your child transition back into the classroom. It will also help their classmates understand what has happened to their friend. 

Maintain Open Communication 

Once your child is using their prosthetic, you'll want to maintain open communication with them. This is beneficial for a number of reasons. First, open communication ensures that you know when emotional issues come up. Early knowledge of emotional struggles can help you provide the care your child will need to get through those issues.

Second, open communication allows for identifying problems with the prosthetic, such as any pain associated with an improper fit.

For more information about helping your child adjust to their new prosthetic, contact a company such as Bio  Tech Prosthetics and Orthotics.