Physiotherapy
The DSC provides a physiotherapy service for amputees living within the Portsmouth Hospitals local catchment area. Physiotherapy initially focuses on preparing people for their artificial limb. This may involve exercises, balance work and walking with one of our trial limbs. Once a patient has been assessed and the process of limb fitting has begun the physiotherapy focus shifts to teaching people how to walk with the leg and how to use it safely in their day to day life.
Learning to walk with the artificial limb takes on average between 3 to 6 months
depending on the individual patient and their level of amputation. Gait training
is the process of learning how to walk with an artificial limb. Developing a "good
gait" is key to having a comfortable and efficient walking stride.
Learning to use your artificial limb safely begins in physiotherapy. Treatment consists of setting realistic goals for recovery. Patients start by practising how to put the leg on and take it off again along with learning how to monitor the stump for any problem areas. Walking practice will begin in the parallel bars and once a good walking pattern has been established, patients are then able to move on to a walking aid such as a stick, crutches or a frame. When patients are safely walking with their artificial limb they are then able to start using it at home.
After the initial physiotherapy intervention patients are still able to contact us for further assessments if they feel their needs have changed. Physiotherapy can offer established patients help with problems such as falls, pain or reduced mobility and independence. We are also always available for advice should you need it.
Launch of AMPFIT - weekly fitness classes for amputees
Chantel Ostler, with the support of Moving Forward and funding from the Big Lottery, is co-ordinating the delivery of AMPFIT - fitness classes for amputees.
Moving Forward was really pleased to announce a successful application to the National Lottery Awards for All and the award of £8,500 to support the weekly amputee fitness classes which will be held at Southsea Community Centre every Thursday from 1.30 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. from October 2009 onwards. The scheme is based on the successful MANFIT programme that was developed in Manchester. The classes are aimed at any level of ability and can be done from a wheelchair. They are low intensity and fun.
The group will be run by an experienced tutor and is dedicated to those who have suffered limb loss. Transport is provided for those that need it. Chantel has been working with the User Group to develop the concept and organise the delivery. We will monitor and evaluate the programme with the aim of sustaining the classes beyond the life of the lottery funding. If you would like to find out more please contact Chantel Ostler: chantel.ostler@porthosp.nhs.uk;
Debbie Pentland is the trainer that has been leading the AMPFIT classes. Debbie gives an update on how the classes are going.
The AMPFIT class has now been running for over six months. The class lasting one hour challenges the participant to work to their own capabilities. The only competition is with themselves - trying to improve a little each week.
The exercises are varied using hand weight and physio bands and wall press-ups to improve strength, various exercises to improve balance and ball games to improve co-ordination. Stretches are also an important part of the class to improve flexibility. Time is also spent on walking techniques with an emphasis on good posture control. All of this is done with the aim of improving the participants overall fitness and health.
The participants are also encouraged to do exercises at home, helping them to fit into their daily routine (handouts are given). Partners and friends are always welcome, but don’t think you will be sitting watching! Come and join in. The club has become a good social group where participants can swap helpful hints or show a new piece of handy equipment that may be helpful to others.
If you don’t believe me, here are what some of the patients think:
"I have been going for two months and have lost half a stone, so it is working for me. It is also a good meeting place to see old friends and meet new ones. I would definitely recommend it."Chris Taylor
"I lost a leg in 1973 and have recently been having problems with my arms and neck. I could not have faced going to a gym, but thanks to AMPFIT, I am improving. We all manage to have a laugh while we are exercising too." Christine Woods
"I would like to express my appreciation for the wonderful opportunities made available at AMPFIT at the Community Centre. Since I started at AMPFIT its been one exercise after another. If I am not walking I am balancing, etc. All made easy by the encouragements of Debbie our trainer given to me and other amputees.
I am very happy for all the help I receive from the team, Chantel, Debbie, Teresa, Katherine, and others. Their attitude is, “It’s not finished until it’s finished”, this keeps me going and gives me more confidence towards achieving my goals. As a gesture of my appreciation, I have given a cheque for £100 to AMPFIT, and wish the Centre greater success now and in the future." Tawa Odaranile
The class meets every Thursday from 13:30 to 14:30 at Southsea Community Centre. The cost is £2 per class. Transport can be arranged.
For more details telephone AMPFIT on 07538 801565.
Debbie Pentland, Trainer