In this episode, Will Riddick talks with Patty Young, national program manager of the VA Amputation System of Care, discussing how the VA delivers coordinated, lifelong care for individuals with limb loss. She explains how the system uses interdisciplinary teams, standardized training, and strong communication networks to ensure consistent, high-quality care across the country, from pre-amputation through long-term community reintegration. Will and Patty talk about how to integrate these same practices outside of the Amputation System of Care.

In this episode, host Will Riddick explores the critical role of psychosocial aspects in limb loss rehabilitation with Dr. Emily Hawkins of Old Dominion University. They discuss grief, emotional coping, and practical strategies for clinicians to support patients through their emotional journey.

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host Will Riddick and guest Allison Symsack discuss the importance of outcome measures in physical therapy for patients with limb loss. They explore the differences between performance-based and patient-reported outcomes, the implications of mismatches between the two, and the significance of gait symmetry and balance assessments. The conversation also highlights the role of outcome data in guiding communication with prosthetists and offers a framework for selecting appropriate measures in clinical practice. Through patient stories, they illustrate the impact of these assessments on rehabilitation and patient motivation.

Resources:

Wong CK, Chihuri ST. Impact of Vascular Disease, Amputation Level, and the Mismatch Between Balance Ability and Balance Confidence in a Cross-Sectional Study of the Likelihood of Falls Among People With Limb Loss: Perception Versus Reality. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2019;98(2):130-135. doi:10.1097/PHM.0000000000001034

Wong CK, Vandervort EE, Moran KM, Adler CM, Chihuri ST, Youdan GA Jr. Walking asymmetry and its relation to patient-reported and performance-based outcome measures in individuals with unilateral lower limb loss. Int Biomech. 2022;9(1):33-41. doi:10.1080/23335432.2022.2142160

Gailey RS, Gaunaurd I, Agrawal V, Finnieston A, O'Toole C, Tolchin R. Application of self-report and performance-based outcome measures to determine functional differences between four categories of prosthetic feet. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012;49(4):597-612. doi:10.1682/jrrd.2011.04.0077

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host Will Riddick engages with physical therapist Cosi Belloso of Cosi Talks to discuss the rapid evolution of prosthetic technology and its implications for patient care. Cosi shares her extensive background in physical therapy, her journey to founding Cosi Talks, and the importance of staying informed about innovations in the field. They explore various advancements, including microprocessor knees and osteointegration, and how these technologies are changing rehabilitation practices. Cosi emphasizes the significance of collaboration with prosthetists and the use of online resources, including AI tools like Chat GPT, to enhance knowledge and patient outcomes.

Learn more about Cosi and her work at cositalks.com

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host Will Riddick talks with Michelle Jamin, PT, DPT about her journey to build a specialty practice focused on limb loss care. She discusses the importance of patient referrals, collaboration with prosthetists and manufacturers, and the confidence she instills in her work. She emphasizes the trust built through relationships and its impact on patient care. She covers a lot of practice questions that someone would have trying to build their own practice.

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host Will Riddick discusses the innovative inpatient readmission models for prosthetic training with Meredith Mayton from Sheltering Arms Institute. They explore the structure and benefits of the program, the importance of comprehensive care, and the challenges of insurance approval. Meredith shares insights on identifying ideal candidates for the program, the significance of documentation, and the role of a program champion. The conversation highlights patient success stories and the positive outcomes achieved through this intensive rehabilitation approach.

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host Will Riddick engages with experts Jonathan Glasberg and Leif Nelson to explore the vital role of adaptive sports in the rehabilitation of individuals with limb loss. They discuss personal journeys into the field, the significance of athletic identity, barriers to participation, and the resources available for clinicians. The conversation highlights inspiring patient stories and the importance of community support in fostering a culture of inclusion and empowerment through adaptive sports.