COMMUNITY REHABilitation

LIMBS is committed to a holistic approach of patient care that engages local communities and enhances the quality of life of amputees and their families. 

Technology is just the beginning

Amputees experience not only unimaginable physical trauma, but also crippling anxiety, frustration, the loss of dignity and livelihood.

Fitting amputees with a functional, high-quality new leg is just the first stage. It is not enough to fully restore mobility. Patients are at risk injuring themselves further by falling or improperly walking with their devices without first going through physical therapy. 

In 2014, LIMBS International introduced its Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (CBR) to provide critical services for our patients. We have developed a comprehensive CBR manual, posters, exercise routines and patient guides on how to care for their prosthetic devices, plus techniques for dealing with the emotional challenges of limb loss and recovery.

In addition to these materials, LIMBS provides educational seminars and on-site training for clinic personnel and community groups, including government services, NGOs, and churches. This training includes physical therapy, counseling, social reintegration and advocacy – as well as a certification process to ensure that amputees are receiving the best care possible.

The Power of community 

Our CBR Program is a community service that grows year after year. LIMBS volunteers help identify local amputees who would be good candidates to receive a free limb and then help the patients get to their appointments. Patients meet lifelong friends at CBR and the whole community benefits when amputees return to work, home and independent living. 

Over the last five years, our CBR programs have expanded throughout Mexico, Latin America, Turkey, Indonesia and Liberia with fittings and rehabilitation. Approximately 60% of amputees who are fitted with a new leg at one of our affiliated clinics also receive free physical therapy.  
        
A 2018 independent study analyzed the impact of our CBR programs in four Mexican cities (Mexico City, Oaxaca, Guadalajara, and Cuernavaca). Researchers found that patients enjoyed higher levels of community integration and inclusion – and felt more comfortable and respected in their communities. 
        
In our constant quest to create better prosthetics and programs, LIMBS always listens to our patients and their families, our prosthetists and volunteers.