Recovering After Lower Limb Amputation

Positioning

To prevent your muscles from tightening or shortening, your therapist will show you how to do the following positions and exercises.

The following are good positions to prevent stiffness and loss of movement:

Position 1


To stretch your hips, lie on your stomach with your legs straight. Don’t put a pillow under your head or shoulders. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes several times each day.

Position 2


This position prevents the hip muscles from tightening and helps the prosthesis to fit better. Lie on your back with your legs straight and in line with your hips. Roll up a towel and put it on the outside of your limb to prevent it from moving out to the side. Do this for 5 to 10 minutes several times each day.

Position 3


Position your residual limb on a chair or on an amputee board to prevent swelling.

Positions to avoid


Don’t put pillows under your hip or lower back when lying on your back.


Don’t lay on your back with the stump pointed out to the side.


Don’t hang your leg down. If you have a below-the-knee amputation, use an amputee board to keep the limb straight.

Current as of: September 20, 2019

Author: Allied Health, Alberta Health Services

Go to Top

This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

Include ImagesLarge Print