Partners in Progress: The Role of Occupational Therapists in Prosthetic Adaptation
Written by Maria Bilat
November 25th, 2024
Losing a limb is a life-altering experience that brings immense physical, emotional, and psychological challenges. Many patients struggle with the initial shock of the loss, the emotional and physical recovery, as well as the rehabilitation process. Adapting to a new reality can seem daunting, but advancements in medical technology and the dedicated support of healthcare professionals have made it possible for many patients to restore functionality and improve their quality of life.
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Some patients will choose to use a prosthetic device following amputation. Each person’s experience varies depending on factors such as lifestyle, functional goals, and overall health. Rehabilitation, including physical and occupational therapy, are pivotal in the successful use of a prosthesis.
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Occupational therapists (OTs) play a crucial role in the journey of individuals adapting to prosthetic devices. OTs are licensed healthcare professionals who help people find ways to participate in daily activities that they need or want to do. They work to adapt surroundings and tasks to help people live better with disabilities and recover from injuries or illnesses. Occupational therapists can specialize in various areas in healthcare, such as gerontology, pediatrics or physical rehabilitation. Many occupational therapists choose to pursue a career in prosthetics, following an educational path that typically includes the following:
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4 year Bachelor’s Degree in a science-based discipline.
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2-3 year Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.
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Writing and passing the NOTCE (National Occupational Therapy Certification Examination) licensing exam.
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Specializing in a specific field of occupational therapy (ex: prosthetics).
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To work with prosthetics in Ontario, occupational therapists must be qualified as an Authorizer with the Assistive Devices Program. This requires holding a valid certificate of registration from the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and actively participating as a member of an Amputee Team or an Externally Powered Upper Limb Prostheses Clinic.
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Occupational therapists support patients through every step of the prosthetic process. They start working with patients prior to their prosthetic fitting, guiding them through exercises to strengthen the residual limb, enhance flexibility, and engage the muscles needed for prosthetic use. Next, OTs help individuals learn how to use their new limb effectively. They work on enhancing mobility through different exercises and help integrate the new limb into the patient’s daily activities. OTs may also recommend environmental modifications and pain management strategies to help patients adjust to the prosthetic.6
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In summary, occupational therapists are crucial in the lives of patients, helping them regain essential functionality while building the confidence and skills needed for daily activities. They provide support not only on the physical level, but also on the emotional and social ones, making them indispensable in guiding patients through the challenges of a new reality with resilience and hope. ​​​
Footnotes
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1. The Surgical Clinic. Prosthetic Basics: Adapting to Life with a New Limb. https://thesurgicalclinics.com/prosthetic-basics-adapting-to-life-with-a-new-limb/#:~:text=The%20adjustment%20period%20is%20unique,can%20help%20speed%20things%20along
2. WebMD (2023). What Is an Occupational Therapist? https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/what-is-an-occupational-therapist
3. Net Health (2024). Types of Occupational Therapy: Specialties That Set the Profession Apart. https://www.nethealth.com/blog/types-of-occupational-therapy-specialties-set-profession-apart-rehab-therapy/#:~:text=Among%20these%2C%20the%20association%20currently,training%20at%20a%20national%20level
4. Indeed (2024). How to Become an Occupational Therapist (With Key Skills). https://ca.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/how-to-become-occupational-therapist
5. Government of Ontario: Ministry of Health (2024). Register as an authorizer or vendor with the Assistive Device Program. https://www.ontario.ca/document/assistive-devices-program-health-care-professionals/register-authorizer-or-vendor
6. The OT Centre. Occupational Therapy for Limb Amputation. https://www.theotcentre.co.uk/diagnoses-conditions-treated-with-occupational-therapy-and-si-therapy/limb-amputation