Not all amputees need prosthetics!
Yes, you are not reading it wrong. While the benefits of using a prosthetic have been proved and confirmed through many cases with amputees from all over the world, it is important to acknowledge that the decision to wear a prosthetic is not as straightforward as simply wanting to use one, and prosthetics is not a made-for-all option.
That is why to avoid any prosthetic abandonment later, there are certain factors you need to consider carefully before deciding to wear a prosthetic. In this blog, we will explore the essential factors to consider before determining if a prosthetic is the right choice for you.
Prosthetics: A Considered Choice
When it comes to prosthetics, it's crucial to approach the decision with careful consideration. Not every amputee will find a prosthetic to be the ideal solution, and remember, that is perfectly okay. Each individual's circumstances, lifestyle, and personal preferences are unique, which is why it's essential to assess your specific needs before making a decision.
Understanding Your Needs
Before you delve into the world of prosthetics, take the time to evaluate your situation and requirements. Consider the following factors:
1. Lifestyle Assessment:
Think about your daily activities, work routine, and hobbies. Do you engage in activities that require the use of both hands? Will a prosthetic greatly enhance your ability to perform these tasks? Write these questions down and answer them all.
If you enjoy playing a musical instrument or engaging in sports like tennis or golf or driving somewhere is a part of your everyday routine, a prosthetic limb may greatly enhance your ability to perform these tasks.
On the other hand, if your daily activities mainly involve light household chores or office work that can be managed effectively with one hand, wearing a prosthetic may not be a necessity.
Understanding how a prosthetic may impact your lifestyle is an important consideration because it will affect what kinds of prosthetics you need to fulfill your wishes and save you tons of money from making a wrong choice.
As some are more into how they look when wearing prosthetic limbs, the cosmetic ones are for them since they are designed to look identical to their biological arms. However, for those who prefer to regain the ability to perform some activities with both hands, modern devices such as bionic hands can support them best.
But what if the user lives or works mostly in a wet or rugged environment? That is when you should consider a body-powered hand which is a more cost-effective option.
Once you determine how a prosthetic can be incorporated into your life, you will feel more motivated to keep practicing and using it, or else it may become a wasted investment when you realize you just do not have that many things to do which require having a prosthetic to accomplish.
2. Functional Assessment:
Consider the level of functionality you desire from a prosthetic. Are there specific tasks or movements you hope to regain? Functional assessment involves evaluating the specific tasks and movements you wish to perform with a prosthetic limb. By identifying your functional goals, you can determine the features and capabilities that are essential for your prosthetic device.
Dung, a long-time user of Vulcan Augmetics multi-grip myoelectric hand, is a well-trained PT and he wishes to continue working on and enhancing his body even after installing an upper limb prosthetic. Dung knew exactly what he wanted when working with Vulcan and required a Push Up module that could be attached to his Vulcan bionic hand to help him keep doing impact exercises in a safer and more balanced way, which a cosmetic hand or a body-powered hand would not be able to do.
Another perfect example for you to consider is one of our users named Hai who has a small grocery store where he sells almost everything a household needs. Since he needs to take and deliver goods to his clients every day as well as place new products on shelves, his primary functional goal is to have a reliable and sturdy grip for tasks like lifting and carrying objects and a flexible wrist to mimic the natural motions required for riding a bike, the Vulcan prosthetic with a strong grip mechanism, wide open palm, 360 degree wrist and durable materials is more suitable with him.
This type of prosthetic limb focuses on providing strength and stability rather than intricate finger movements like over $50,000 5-finger-moving bionic hands that offer a wide range of complex grips, which are not truly necessary in Hai’s situation but can be super useful in the case you love to pursue a hobby of playing drums again or if you work in a profession that involves repetitive hand motions, such as painting or sculpting.
It's important to consider the specific movements and tasks that are relevant to your daily life. Additionally, consider the adaptability and versatility of the prosthetic. Some advanced prosthetic devices feature interchangeable attachments or tools that can be customized to meet different functional needs.
For example, attachments like a specialized gripping tool for holding utensils or a stylus for touchscreen devices can greatly expand the functionality and usability of your prosthetic limb (the Vulcan hand has grips to perform all these activities).
Professional Guidance
It's crucial to seek professional guidance when considering a prosthetic. A prosthetist, a trained specialist in prosthetic devices, can assess your unique circumstances and provide expert advice. They will guide you through the decision-making process, taking into account your lifestyle, physical condition, and functional goals.
You can find a prosthetist local to you by looking on google, or if you are in a market where Vulcan is present, contacting us so that we can connect you with a local expert.
Choosing to wear a prosthetic is a significant decision that requires careful thought and consideration. Not all amputees need the same prosthetics, by evaluating your lifestyle, physical condition, and functional goals, you can determine if a prosthetic device aligns with your needs and desires.
Ready to join this journey with us? Register HERE for a counseling session with team Vulcan.
Vulcan Augmetics specializes in providing medical-standard prosthetic products at reasonable costs to provide the most appropriate support to users quickly and conveniently.
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