Ideally, they will have been referred to physiotherapy and occupational Therapy (OT) before their surgery, to enable prehabilitation, discuss side effects such as phantom limb pain, and start preventative pain medication. This ensures optimal planning and preparation before surgery. Also, arrangements will endeavour to be made for the patient and family to meet with someone with a similar amputation.
The main types of amputation seen are in lower limbs: Above knee (AKA), below knee (BKA) and, less commonly, a rotationplasty. However, above and below elbow may also feature in cancer management.
Physiotherapy immediately post-op is provided by the acute hospital physiotherapists and focuses on range of movement (ROM) strengthening exercises and mobility pre-prosthetic limb fitting. Limb fitting will be arranged by the orthopaedic department and will occur once the wound has healed or is beginning to heal.
OT will focus on functional rehabilitation: addressing environmental barriers both at home and school, body image, prosthetic use, promoting quality of life and participation with daily activities and play. Depending on the arrangements in their local area, the OT may also be responsible for arranging wheelchair provision.
The patient will attend their local prosthetic service for limb-fitting and it is also here that they will start gait re-training with the new limb. If you will be working with the child or young person, it may be useful to visit them when they are attending an appointment here to speak to the physiotherapists and orthotics about the treatment, their goals, etc. They are also more than happy to discuss patients over the phone.
By the time the child or young person is attending physiotherapy in the community, they will more than likely have a prosthetic limb fitted which they will be wearing when mobilising. The main aims of treatment are maintaining and improving range of movement and muscle power, working towards independent gait and return to normal function/activities.
If you have any concerns regarding the rehabilitation of a patient who has undergone an amputation, please contact their local cancer centre directly.
Further information and support
- Article from CCLG Contact Magazine 102 - How embracing innovation has helped Amelia to inspire others to stay active
- Limbless Association
- Bone Cancer Research Trust - Amputation resources
- GOV UK - Amputations and driving
- Amputation Foundation
- Club HQ
- Reach
- Limb Power
- Amputee Coalition
Page last updated February 2026