Exercise Physiology for Amputees Adelaide
At Thrive Health Therapies, we offer specialised exercise physiology for amputees in Adelaide, supporting individuals before and after amputation, as well as those living with prosthetic limbs. Our exercise physiologists are experienced in helping people improve strength, endurance, mobility, and confidence while managing the unique challenges associated with limb loss. Whether you’re seeking therapy at our accessible rehabilitation clinic in Findon, in your home, or at a location convenient to you, we're here to help you thrive.
Understanding Limb Amputation
What Is an Amputation?
An amputation involves the surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb due to trauma, illness, or medical necessity. Common reasons for amputation include:
Severe injuries or accidents.
Complications from diabetes or vascular disease.
Infections that do not respond to treatment.
Bone or soft-tissue cancers.
Amputations can affect upper or lower limbs and significantly impact mobility, function, and quality of life.
The Impact of Limb Loss
Physical Challenges After Amputation
Amputation significantly impacts mobility, strength, and overall function. Common physical challenges include:
Reduced Balance: Losing a limb affects stability and increases the risk of falls.
Decreased Mobility: Adapting to life without a limb or with a prosthetic device requires retraining and rehabilitation.
Muscle Weakness: Muscles in the residual limb or remaining body parts may weaken without targeted exercise.
Pain and Discomfort: Individuals may experience phantom limb pain, residual limb pain, or discomfort related to prosthetics.
Joint and Postural Issues: Overcompensation by other limbs or joints can lead to strain, stiffness, or misalignment.
How Can Exercise Physiology Help After Amputation?
Exercise physiology uses targeted physical activity to support recovery and rehabilitation for people with limb differences. Our goal is to help clients regain confidence, adapt to new movement strategies, and reduce the risk of future complications such as falls, overuse injuries, or cardiovascular deconditioning.
Key Ways Our Exercise Physiologists Support Amputees:
Improve Strength and Endurance in the residual limb and supporting muscle groups
Enhance Mobility through functional movement training
Reduce Pain and Discomfort, including support for phantom limb pain through exercise and desensitisation strategies
Promote Balance and Coordination to reduce fall risks
Assist with Prosthetic Adaptation through gait retraining and movement re-education
Support Cardiovascular Fitness to improve overall health and resilience
Encourage Independence and Participation in everyday tasks and recreational activities
Tailored Exercise Physiology Plans for Amputees
Our approach is person-centred and adaptive, recognising that every journey is unique.
Step 1: Initial Assessment
A comprehensive evaluation of physical function, mobility, balance, and endurance.
Step 2: Goal Setting
Collaborative planning to establish functional and lifestyle goals that matter to you.
Step 3: Personalised Therapy Plan
An evolving exercise program tailored to your progress and challenges.
Step 4: Ongoing Support and Monitoring
Regular reviews and adjustments to ensure continual progress and safety.
Comprehensive Exercise Physiology Services for Amputees at Thrive Health Therapies
1. Pre-Amputation Support
For planned amputations, our team can help:
Strengthen muscles essential for post-op mobility
Improve fitness and resilience
Educate clients on what to expect during recovery
2. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
Once cleared by your medical team, we help:
Reintroduce gentle movement and activity
Prevent deconditioning and joint stiffness
Build foundational strength and flexibility
3. Prosthetic Training and Gait Retraining
Our exercise physiologists support:
Relearning to walk with a prosthetic
Improving gait mechanics
Preventing overuse or compensation injuries
4. Balance and Coordination Training
We use targeted activities to improve stability, reduce fall risk, and build confidence.
5. Strength and Conditioning Programs
Individualised exercise plans help rebuild lost strength and increase endurance in a safe and structured way.
6. Pain and Sensation Management
We support clients managing residual limb pain and phantom sensations using:
Movement therapy
Graded exposure and desensitisation
Gentle resistance and flexibility work
How We Deliver Exercise Physiology for Amputees
We offer community-based, clinic-based and telehealth exercise physiology services to clients throughout Adelaide and the Adelaide Hills:
Community-Based Services: We provide community-based services in your home or at a location convenient to you across Adelaide. Learn more about our mobile exercise physiology services and our home visit exercise physiology services.
1:1 Clinic-Based Services: We provide clinic-based services in our specialised clinic and gym in Findon, which has been designed to be appropriate for a range of presentations and disabilities. Our fully accessible clinic and gym space has a range of specialised equipment, allowing individuals with significant physical disabilities the opportunity to work towards their goals.
Group classes: Our exercise physiologists also run small group classes at our clinic, focused on strength, balance, and conditioning - ideal for those with neurological or physical disabilities who want to build capacity in a supportive environment. Learn more about our exercise physiology group classes.
Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients in Adelaide with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support. Learn more about our teleheath services.
Funding Options for Amputee Exercise Physiology
We accept a variety of funding options, making exercise physiology for individual’s with amputations accessible for everyone:
Home Care Packages (HCP)
Private Health Insurance
Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans (GP Team Care Arrangements)
Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA)
Learn more about the funding options we accept.
Why Choose Thrive Health Therapies for Exercise Physiology?
At Thrive Health Therapies, we are committed to delivering experienced, high-quality care that makes a difference. Here’s why we’re a trusted provider of exercise physiology for amputees in Adelaide:
No wait time: We can start working with you straight away!
Expert team: Our exercise physiologists are experienced senior clinicians with extensive experience in managing clients with amputations.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing exercise physiology across all of metropolitan Adelaide from Gawler to Aldinga. We see clients at their home, or at a location convenient to them.
Clinic space: Our fully accessible clinic in Findon has been specially designed to be appropriate for a wide range of presentations and disabilities.
Individualised care: Every client receives a personalised plan based on their unique needs and goals.
Neuroaffirming Practice: We provide compassionate and affirming services to support and empower neurodiverse individuals.
Multi-Disciplinary Approach: We offer a wide range of allied health services under one roof, allowing for a holistic approach to your health. Learn more about our team.
NDIS Provider: We provide services to National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants.
Funding Sources: We accept a variety of funding options, helping our clients access the support they need.
LGBTQIA+ friendly: We celebrate, value and include people of all backgrounds, genders, and sexualities, Our Findon clinic is a welcoming, safe and inclusive space for all LGBTQIA+ people.
FAQs - Exercise Physiology for Amputees
If you can’t find an answer to your question, please contact our friendly team on 0474 248 081 or email enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com
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You can begin gentle exercises once cleared by your medical team. Early intervention supports faster recovery and better outcomes.
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Yes. Exercise physiologists can provide movement-based strategies and desensitisation techniques to help manage phantom pain.
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No! We can start working with new clients right away.
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No! You do not need a referral to see one of our exercise physiologists.
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