Prevention of contractures

Training to prevent contractures

Exercise and exercises are important to prevent contractures (reduced range of motion in the shoulder and elbow for arm amputees and hip and knee for leg amputees) and to maintain strength and mobility in the remaining muscles and joints.

Contractures can occur because the muscles become unbalanced when one is amputated. Some muscle groups become stronger than others. This can cause the stump to be pulled into an undesirable position and can make prosthesis fitting more difficult and make it more difficult to master the prosthesis.

Try to maintain the movement of the joints above the amputation site to avoid contractures.

By keeping the stump stretched out and bending it occasionally, you maintain full mobility.