The first three months after an amputation are a time of physical healing, emotional adjustment, and important decisions about your care and mobility. While the path forward can feel uncertain, having the right guidance makes a world of difference.
At Around and About Inc., we understand that recovery isn’t just about the procedure—it’s about rebuilding your strength, independence, and quality of life. This guide outlines what to expect in the first 90 days of amputation recovery and how early rehabilitation sets the stage for long-term success.
The First Week: Rest, Healing, and Emotional Support
Immediately after surgery, the body begins the process of healing. In the first week, the focus is on managing pain, preventing infection, and stabilizing your overall health. Your surgical team will monitor the residual limb (also known as the stump) to ensure proper healing.
You may experience swelling, sensitivity, or phantom limb sensations. These are all normal, and your medical team will help manage them with medication, positioning techniques, and if needed, desensitization exercises.
Emotionally, this stage can feel overwhelming. It’s important to give yourself time and space to process everything. Connecting with a support team—whether medical, emotional, or spiritual—can provide strength during these early days.
Weeks 2–4: Building Stability and Learning the Basics
As your incision begins to heal and your strength improves, your care team will begin to introduce early recovery goals. Managing swelling becomes a priority at this stage. Compression dressings or shrinkers are commonly used to help reduce fluid buildup and encourage proper limb shaping for future prosthetic use.
You’ll also start learning how to move safely during transfers—such as going from bed to chair—and begin using assistive devices like crutches or a walker. These tasks build confidence and restore a sense of independence.
This period is also when physical therapy typically begins. Your therapist may guide you through simple strength-building movements, breathing techniques, and gentle balance exercises. This early mobility training is designed to prevent complications and promote overall wellness.
Weeks 5–8: Strengthening and Preparing for a Prosthetic
As you gain mobility and your limb continues to heal, your recovery focus may shift toward future prosthetic use. During this stage, your doctor may refer you to a prosthetist who will evaluate the residual limb and work with your therapy team to assess your readiness for a prosthetic.
Physical therapy will become more structured and active. Strengthening exercises are introduced to help support your core, arms, and remaining limb—muscle groups that play a major role in your long-term mobility. Balance and coordination activities are emphasized to reduce the risk of falls. Stretching becomes a regular part of your sessions to prevent tightness or contractures.
If you’re walking with crutches or using a wheelchair, your therapist may begin to transition you toward gait training, which focuses on improving how you move with or without a prosthetic. Everyday tasks such as dressing, toileting, and navigating your home also become part of your rehabilitation goals.
Need help understanding what comes next? Visit our Services page to explore how we support amputation recovery through personalized rehabilitation, therapy planning, and ongoing care.
Weeks 9–12: Prosthetic Fitting and Functional Training
If your healing is on track, this is the period when prosthetic fitting often begins. Your prosthetist may take a cast or 3D scan of your residual limb to design a socket tailored to your body. Fitting sessions will follow, where comfort, alignment, and pressure points are assessed and adjusted as needed.
As you begin to bear weight on the prosthetic—under the supervision of your therapist—gait training intensifies. You’ll practice walking across various surfaces, navigating stairs, maintaining posture, and building endurance. Therapists also work with you to fine-tune your movements so you avoid overcompensating with the unaffected limb.
At Around and About Inc., we coordinate closely with your prosthetist and physical therapy provider to ensure the process is seamless and personalized. Visit our Home page to see how we support patients through this important transition.
Emotional Recovery: What You May Feel During This Time
While physical progress is measurable, emotional recovery often moves at its own pace. During your first 90 days, it’s not uncommon to feel grief, frustration, or anxiety—especially as you adjust to daily routines and changes in body image or mobility.
That’s why it’s important to surround yourself with a support system. This may include family, friends, peer mentors, or professionals such as counselors and social workers. Support groups for amputees can also be incredibly valuable, providing a space to share experiences and strategies with others who truly understand.
One trusted source for emotional guidance and limb loss support is Johns Hopkins Medicine’s page on amputee rehabilitation. It offers insight into both prosthetic care and collaborative therapy approaches that help patients regain confidence and independence.
How We Support You During Recovery
At Around and About Inc., we provide more than just services—we provide partnership. Our approach to amputation recovery centers around understanding your needs, goals, and concerns. From day one, we offer guidance, education, and compassionate care through a network of specialists that includes prosthetists, physical therapists, and patient advocates.
We don’t just focus on recovery—we focus on your ability to thrive. Whether you’re learning to navigate your home again or preparing to return to work, our team is here with practical tools and emotional encouragement to get you there.
If you’re navigating recovery—or supporting someone who is—we’re here to help. Our Contact page is the best place to reach out and speak to a compassionate member of our team who can guide you toward the next step.
Your Recovery, Your Pace
The first 90 days after an amputation can be filled with both progress and challenges. There’s no “right way” to heal—only your way, at your pace. What matters most is that you take each step forward with a sense of purpose, knowing you are supported.
At Around and About Inc., we believe that healing happens not only through medical expertise but through encouragement, trust, and ongoing care. If you’re beginning your recovery journey, we’re honored to be part of it.
To learn more or speak with someone directly, schedule a consultation today. Your recovery matters—and we’re ready to walk with you.
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