All prosthesis must be tested under everyday conditions to enable further adjustments and changes to be made.

Physiotherapy

The physiotherapy exercises started during rehabilitation must also continue at home. These help prevent muscle shortening, increase muscle strength and reduce loss of tissue mass

Vascular sport training

If the amputation was carried out because of a vascular disease, then careful vascular sport training should be carried out – also to prevent the possible loss of other limbs.

There are groups dedicated to vascular sports almost everywhere. They offer...

• Special types of running training to improve the circulation and thus extend the pain-free walking distance
• Muscle stretching exercises
• Relaxation exercises
• Gymnastics

Sports for the disabled

In many cases, amputation is no reason to give up sport and exercise.

There are many possibilities for amputees to continue doing the sports they pursued previously, or even learn new ones. Self-confidence can be regained, for example with Nordic Walking for Leg Amputees.

Wheelchair football, ball and sledge ice-hockey (on sledges instead of skates) are sports for people with physical disabilities. And cycling is often easier with a prosthesis than going for walks.

You can ask the German Disabled Sports Association what's on offer near you: Tel. 0203/71 74-0

Care of the stump

Wearing a prosthesis puts a considerable strain on the skin. You should therefore apply a good stump cream to your skin every day.