Physiotherapy for Amputees Adelaide
At Thrive Health Therapies, we specialise in physiotherapy for amputees in Adelaide, providing comprehensive care for individuals before and after an amputation, as well as those living with prosthetic limbs. Our expert team is dedicated to helping individuals regain strength, mobility, and independence, while addressing the unique challenges of limb loss.
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.
The Role of Physiotherapy in Amputee Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy is essential for individuals adjusting to life after amputation. At Thrive Health Therapies, our physiotherapy for amputees in Adelaide focuses on:
Restoring Mobility and Function
Physiotherapists help individuals adapt to new ways of moving, using assistive devices or prosthetics to regain independence.
Improving Strength and Endurance
Tailored exercises strengthen the muscles of the residual limb and other parts of the body to enhance function and reduce strain.
Prosthetic Training and Support
Physiotherapists provide guidance on using and maintaining prosthetic devices, ensuring proper fit and function.
Managing Pain and Discomfort
Techniques are used to address phantom limb pain, residual limb pain, and issues caused by prosthetic use.
Enhancing Balance and Coordination
Balance training reduces fall risks and improves confidence in daily movements.
Supporting Emotional Well-Being
Physiotherapy integrates strategies to build confidence, reduce anxiety, and empower individuals to engage in meaningful activities.
Tailored Physiotherapy Plans for Amputees
At Thrive Health Therapies, we understand that each individual’s journey is unique. That’s why our physiotherapy for amputees begins with a comprehensive assessment to develop a customised treatment plan.
Step 1: Initial Assessment
Detailed evaluation of mobility, strength, and balance.
Identification of challenges, goals, and lifestyle needs.
Step 2: Goal Setting
Collaborative planning to establish meaningful, achievable rehabilitation goals.
Step 3: Personalised Therapy Plan
A tailored program that evolves as your progress and needs change.
Step 4: Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Regular reviews to track improvements and adjust your therapy plan accordingly.
Funding Options for Amputee Physiotherapy
We accept a variety of funding options, making physiotherapy for individual’s with amputations accessible for everyone:
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.
Comprehensive Physiotherapy Services for Amputees at Thrive Health Therapies
Thrive Health Therapies offers a full spectrum of services to meet the needs of individuals at every stage of their recovery and adaptation journey.
1. Pre-Amputation Physiotherapy
For those undergoing planned amputations, pre-amputation physiotherapy prepares the body for surgery and recovery by:
Strengthening muscles that will support post-surgical mobility.
Improving overall fitness and resilience.
Educating patients on what to expect during recovery and rehabilitation.
2. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation
After surgery, physiotherapy focuses on recovery and preparing for prosthetic use. Key goals include:
Managing swelling and promoting wound healing.
Preventing joint stiffness and muscle atrophy.
Introducing gentle exercises to restore mobility.
3. Prosthetic Training and Gait Retraining
Learning to use a prosthetic is a critical step in rehabilitation. Our physiotherapy program includes:
Teaching proper prosthetic application and care.
Gait training to ensure smooth, efficient walking patterns.
Adjusting posture and body mechanics to prevent strain.
4. Balance and Coordination Training
Balance exercises improve stability and reduce the risk of falls, promoting confidence in movement.
5. Strength and Conditioning Programs
Targeted exercise plans help rebuild strength and endurance in the residual limb and other body parts.
6. Pain Management Techniques
We provide effective solutions for managing phantom limb pain, residual limb pain, and prosthetic-related discomfort, including:
Mirror therapy.
Desensitisation techniques.
Manual therapy and stretching exercises.
7. Hydrotherapy for Amputees
Hydrotherapy provides a low-impact, supportive environment for exercise, helping amputees improve strength, mobility, and flexibility without straining joints or residual limbs.
How We Deliver Physiotherapy Services for Amputees at Thrive Health Therapies
At Thrive Health Therapies, we provide personalised physiotherapy for amputees in Adelaide through a range of services tailored to your needs.
Community-Based Services: We bring physiotherapy for amputees to your home, providing personalised care in a familiar and convenient setting.
Clinic-based Services: We provide clinic-based services in our specialised clinic in Findon, which has been designed to be appropriate for a range of presentations & 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.
Telehealth Services: We also offer comprehensive telehealth services, providing clients with convenient, video-based therapy consultations for those who may have difficulty travelling to our clinic or prefer the convenience of remote support.
Hydrotherapy Services for Amputees Across Adelaide
Physiotherapist-led hydrotherapy is a low-impact, water-based therapy ideal for amputees. It helps improve strength, flexibility, and mobility while reducing strain on joints. We provide one-on-one physiotherapist-led hydrotherapy at three convenient locations in Adelaide: Parafield Gardens, Campbelltown, and Seaton. We can also arrange sessions at a pool near you.
Why Choose Thrive Health Therapies for Amputee Physiotherapy in Adelaide?
At Thrive Health Therapies, we are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care that makes a difference. Here’s why we’re a trusted provider of physiotherapy for amputees in Adelaide:
No wait time: We can start working with clients straight away!
Expert team: Our physiotherapists are experienced senior clinicians with extensive experience in managing clients with amputations.
Extensive Coverage in the community: We serve a large geographical area, providing physiotherapy 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 neurological presentations & 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.
NDIS Registered: We are proudly registered with the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
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 About Physiotherapy 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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Physiotherapy typically begins soon after surgery to manage pain, reduce swelling, and promote healing. Your physiotherapist will guide you on the appropriate timeline.
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Yes, physiotherapists use techniques like desensitisation, mirror therapy, and manual therapy to manage phantom limb pain effectively.
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Absolutely. Hydrotherapy is an excellent option for amputees as it provides a low-impact environment to improve strength, balance, and flexibility.
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Yes, Thrive Health Therapies is a registered NDIS provider, and we accept NDIS funding for amputee rehabilitation services.
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No! We can start working with new clients right away.
Once we have received a referral form with all of your details, we are able to book an Initial Assessment as soon as possible, depending on your availability.
You can find our referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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If you are funded through Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) or Chronic Disease Management (CDM) we need the appropriate referral documentation from your GP.
For all other funding sources you can refer yourself or your loved one directly via our online referral form, or reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Referring is easy! You can find our referral forms here.
If you have any questions prior to referring please reach out to us on 0474 248 081, via our online enquiry form or at enquiries@thrivehealththerapies.com.
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Yes! As a registered NDIS provider, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants.
As a NDIS registered provider, we are also able to offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.
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As a registered NDIS provider, interpreter services are available free of charge for NDIS participants. Please inform us if you require this service, and we will arrange this for you.
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We accept referrals from a wide range of funding sources, including the NDIS, home care packages, Department of Veterans Affairs, Chronic Disease Management (previously known as EPC) and private clients. Learn more about our accepted funding sources.
As a NDIS registered provider we are also able to accept participants who have chosen to have their funds managed by NDIA.
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Prices vary between services. Our therapists work with you to ensure you get the best program of services within your budget allocation.
Please contact us for a personalised quote.
Your Trusted NDIS Registered Provider in Adelaide
As a registered NDIS provider in Adelaide, Thrive Health Therapies meets rigorous NDIS Practice Standards and Quality Indicators. We are passionately committed to upholding the NDIS Practice Standards, providing high-quality and safe supports and services for NDIS participants.
As a NDIS registered provider, we offer services to participants whose funds are managed by the NDIA.
Ready to get started? It’s easy!
Referral Form
Fill out our easy online referral form and we’ll be in touch!
