Occupational Therapy: Training Postural Control for Functional Upper Limb Prosthesis Use

Healthcare professionals working with upper limb (UL) amputees more often than not, have the privilege of working with a generally healthy patient population. Traumatic loss of the upper limb in previously active and productive persons does not remove their intrinsic motivation for active participation in life. As they recover from the abrupt change in their functional status, this innate drive may be somewhat diminished for a time. However, with a supportive environment for recovery, it is possible to return to a healthy and productive lifestyle. It is incumbent upon rehabilitation professionals to create optimal conditions for patient success. Meeting this challenge requires the coordinated efforts of a rehabilitation team focused on the dynamic functional use of a prosthesis by the primary team memberthe patient.