Exercising, Weightlifting and Activity-Specific Prostheses: Taking Back Control After an Upper Limb Amputation

Exercising with a well-fitting prosthesis and proper training can prevent overuse injuries by strengthening both the sound and affected limb. It can also help heal current overuse injuries in the same way. In addition to these benefits, it allows someone with an upper limb amputation to regain some control of their body. They can build strength and have their body look the way they want it to. They can also show themselves and others what they are capable of. They may be missing part of a limb, but that hasn’t stopped them from getting to the gym and doing a workout that helps them with their goals.

Considering all the physical and mental benefits of using an activity-specific prosthesis, why are they the most difficult devices to get approved by insurance providers? Some workers’ comp patients are able to get them with relative ease, and some people with congenital amputations can obtain them if they can show serious overuse issues. But why should it have to get to that point? Why are some insurance providers unable to listen to people when these patients say they know what they need to keep their body and mind healthy?

One of the reasons is that upper limb differences are relatively rare in comparison to lower limb differences. It may be because the research is just coming out about how beneficial exercise can be for a healthy body image in addition to a healthy body. It may be because we’re still researching the impacts that an upper limb difference can have on mental health. Regardless of the reasons, the Arm Dynamics team is committed to helping educate workers’ comp providers and other payers about the important and lasting benefits people gain when they have an activity-specific prosthesis.