ALSO KNOWN AS THE DISABLEMENT SERVICE CENTRE.
This is an NHS facility provided to take care of your life long rehabilitation needs. The limb centre is managed by a centre manager, supported by the clinical team; often referred to as the Multidisciplinary Rehabilitation Team. The rehab team is lead up by a consultant in rehabilitation medicine, who is a qualified medical Doctor?
It is worth noting that if you are referred to a private clinic you may also have access to a multidisciplinary team, although the service may be more limited.
Arrangements for your first visit to the limb centre will be made by the consultant surgeon while you are still in Hospital, whether you are in an NHS or private hospital.
While you are waiting for your first appointment the hospital physiotherapist will teach you exercises that will build your balance and muscular strength and will be of benefit in using a wheelchair. The occupational therapist will teach you skills you need to resume your independence.
After meeting with the consultant doctor and physiotherapist it will be decided whether you will be prescribed with a prosthesis (artificial limb). If it has been decided that you will be prescribed with prosthesis then work on making your artificial limb will begin. You will attend the Limb centre for fittings, while work on your rehabilitation begins. This can be as an inpatient or outpatient depending on your circumstances.
Once your prosthesis is fitted you will be taught by the physiotherapist (lower limbs) occupational therapist (upper Limbs) how to use your prosthesis. Once you are established with your prosthesis and discharged from therapy you will only need to attend the centre for check-ups, fittings and adjustments. If you are in discomfort or are unhappy with any part of your treatment please talk to your consultant or prosthetist so that an appointment can be arranged. Some centres offer a walk-in clinic option for patients in need of adjustments.
When you are visiting the limb centre it is advisable to wear loose and comfortable clothing as you will be required to try on your Prosthesis. You may find that while adjustments are being made you will be taking the prostheses off and putting it on and off on frequent basis, this is sometimes referred to as donning and doffing by the physiotherapists. Wear shorts If you have them and you feel comfortable. Remember also to bring both shoes with you if you are a lower limb amputee.
If the decision has been reached by the rehabilitation team, led by the consultant, that you will not be prescribed with an artificial limb you will still attend the centre or your local hospital to receive therapy. Whether you are prescribed with prosthesis or not the full multidisciplinary team will be available to you.
A multidisciplinary team of experts are involved in your rehabilitation with the objective of helping you back to a full a life as possible. The main thing to take with you on this journey is patience – this is a slow and sometimes frustrating process and a lot of work is required from you and the rehabilitation team.
