5 Strengthening Exercises Following Lower-Limb Amputation

By: Amanda Lyons, PT, DPT, NCS

During inpatient rehabilitation, your therapy team will guide you through a personalized strengthening program designed to support your recovery. This program focuses on building the key muscle groups needed for safe and effective mobility with a prosthesis. Continuing these exercises at home is essential for maintaining progress and maximizing independence.

Exercise after an amputation offers several important benefits, including:

  • Improving and maintaining range of motion (ROM)
  • Reducing or preventing contractures (a tightening of the muscles, tendons, skin, and nearby tissues) 
  • Reducing swelling
  • Increasing strength
  • Promoting wound healing

The following exercises are beneficial for improving strength, stability, and overall functional mobility.

1. Prone Trunk and Hip Extension

Place a rolled-up towel or folded pillow between your thighs and then lie face down. Next, raise your head, chest, and legs off the floor. Hold for 5 seconds, relax, and repeat.

2. Side-Lying Hip Abduction

Lie on your side with the residual limb on the top, and then lift the residual limb up towards the ceiling. Lower back down and repeat.

3. Supine Hip Adduction

Lie on your back. Place a folded pillow or rolled-up towel between your thighs and squeeze together firmly. Hold for 5 seconds, release, and repeat.

4. Bridges

Lie on your back with a rolled-up towel under your residual limb. Your non-amputated leg should have a bent knee with the foot on the floor. Next, press your residual limb down and into the towel as you lift your pelvis off the floor. Hold for 5 seconds, lower back down, and repeat.  

5. Shoulder Rolls

Move your shoulders in a circular pattern as shown so that you are moving “in and up” and “back and down” direction. Perform small circles if needed for comfort.

Sheltering Arms Institute offers a limb loss rehabilitation program with certified specialists in amputation recovery. Contact us at www.shelteringarmsinstitute.com/contact-us or call (804) 764-1000 to see how we can help you or a loved one following limb loss.

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