Staying Fit After Amputation

Staying fit is an important part of every individual's health and well-being. That being said, it is very important for amputees to have a consistent exercise routine. According to The Amputee Coalition, all areas of fitness, including strength, resistance, endurance, and flexibility, are best for amputees when coming up with a workout routine. This big range of exercises gives individuals the power to decide which exercise works best for their own body. The list below provides different forms of exercises amputees should consider trying.

1. Athletics

Sports are a great form of physical activity and come in many different forms. This can range from tennis to rock climbing to riding a horse - the sky's the limit. Try as many sports as you like to discover which one best suits you. Also, make sure you feel passionate about that particular sport when choosing. If you enjoy the sport, it will provide mental benefits as well.

2. Stretching

Stretching is one of the most important exercises a routine can present. Stretching increases flexibility, which is a great way to enhance muscles endurance for the future. Flexibility is important for amputees. Lower extremity amputees need flexibility in their hip flexors. A good hip-stretching exercise is to lie on your stomach for ten to twenty minutes twice a day. Simple routines like this can make a huge difference in your body.

3. Balancing

According to an article by Livestrong, many amputees suffer from balance issues. Simple balance exercises can help achieve better balance and better form in the overall body. These exercises can be as simple as switching from balancing on one leg to balancing on the prosthetic leg. Better body balance allows you to have more control over your own movements. It is an underrated exercise skill and should be practiced every day.

4. Abdominal Strength

Keeping stomach muscles strong will help in every other form of exercising and be highly beneficial for the body. Adding muscle to the core is essential for amputees. A simple exercise for abdominal strength is a sit-up. Since sit-ups can be difficult for leg amputees, it is best to have something holding the legs down. For example, have a person help hold your legs or use a weight to hold them down. Getting the most out of this abdominal exercise will depend on how comfortable you feel, so make sure to choose options that best suit your body.

Having a prosthetic does not mean you cannot stay fit. Being able to find the exercise that best fits your own body is the first step. The next step is enjoying the process. If you are having trouble deciding on an exercise to try or need further information, contact one of our experienced Great Steps practitioners - they are always happy to help. Now go out there and challenge your body and be happy with the results!

Employee Spotlight: Scott Porter

Technician, Scott Porter, has grown up working construction – it was what he knew and what he excelled at. Then, in 1996, Scott lost the lower part of his right leg in a car accident.  He tried to go back into construction, but the physical demands of the job were just too high.  That was when Scott became interested in the orthotic & prosthetic industry and asked his prosthetist if he knew of anyone who was hiring.

Scott was soon hired by Bracemasters Orthotic & Prosthetic Fabrication in Wisconsin.  Scott quickly found that construction was not the only thing he excelled at and was promoted to supervisor after just one year.  He continued to work at Bracemasters for another five years but still found something was missing. He decided he would like to give fewer orders and work with his own two hands.

Scott tried a few jobs; even attempted to go back into construction.  Fortunately, an old boss told Scott about Great Steps Orthotics & Prosthetics.  Scott became interested and was soon hired.

As a technician, Scott manages various jobs at Great Steps. He also coordinates with other technicians to assist clients that come in for repairs.  Scott’s favorite part of working at Great Steps is working directly with our practitioners.  Bracemasters was a central fabrication facility that made orthotics & prosthetics for multiple O&P facilities.  The ability for Scott to work directly with the practitioners not only allows him to learn more about what works for patients and what doesn’t but it also allows him to get his work done more efficiently by having the practitioners at hand when questions arise.

Scott’s favorite part of working in the field of orthotics & prosthetics is being able to help people.  Having firsthand experience with disabilities, Scott knows how challenging they can be, but also how to help others overcome them.  So, next time you visit Great Steps, be sure to say hello to Scott!

Employee Spotlight: Robert Scheibmeir

Dedicated to easing the lives and comfort of his patients, Robert Scheibmeir recently joined the staff at Great Steps as a Certified Pedorthist and Certified Fitter of Orthotics. His work focuses on orthopedic fittings, diabetic shoe fittings, and ensuring results for his patients. “We’re improving people’s lives, and that’s what it’s all about to me,” Robert said.

Born and raised in Kansas, Robert worked as a shoe cobbler in high school and college, eventually establishing his own shoe repair business - one he ran for nearly 15 years. Robert, a self-motivated individual, also put himself through pedorthic school while working as a shoe repairman. With educational and professional opportunities initially taking him to Colorado and New Mexico, Robert recently accepted a position at Great Steps.

Robert believes that the most rewarding aspect of his career is being able to interact with his patients and to see his the benefits of his work firsthand. “I love to help people, and I love to see the results of my work,” he says. “When you have someone come to you that is in pain or cannot walk well and you can get them to where . . . they can live a normal life that is rewarding.”

With a versatile background, he has worked with big companies and small businesses as well as retail businesses and medical settings. Robert states that he wanted to get away from big companies and to return to the community and closer relationships of small business roots.

When asked about Great Steps, Scheibmeir says, “In working for a big company, you had a lot of other pressures . . . which is why I like [Great Steps]. They allow you to [focus on] helping people. They said, ‘our job is to keep us in business, your job is to take care of the people.’”

He also prides himself and the focus of his work on making a commitment to each patient’s health and comfort. “[At Great Steps], we put [each device] on you. We are observing gait. We look for input. We tweak and modify [so that the device goes] from 90% to 95% effective, and that little bit of difference can make a huge amount of difference to the individual.”

In his free time, Robert enjoys his time spent in the great outdoors and is an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoys camping, hiking, and hopes to make it to the Boundary Waters soon!

Take Steps with Great Steps... Around the World!

Health and comfortable living are two things that Great Steps really likes to embody and pass on to others. Not only do we like to help others live comfortably, but we also like to make sure we are taking the right steps (literally) to ensure a healthy lifestyle-- 24,901.55 steps to be exact.

From May 16th through September 6th, we have decided to walk halfway across the world-- yes, you heard that right, the world-- and we would like everybody else to join us too. We have 15 weeks to do this so we are all shooting for 10,000 steps a day, equaling around 5 miles. We would like everybody to record his or her steps on a weekly basis. If you are not able to take many steps in a day, you can always try to make up for it another day. If you go over 10,000 steps- even better! All we ask is that you do your best and have fun!

If you are someone that needs a little more motivation than just the satisfaction of getting halfway around the world, don’t worry. Challenges will be made and we have plenty of prizes to giveaway, so stay tuned on our facebook and twitter pages. Kick it into high gear and bring out your competitive side! Find a partner to walk with and maybe we can actually make it around the entire world. The possibilities are endless, help us raise awareness!

To learn more about our mission, products, and services, take a look at our Great Steps company page.

Limb Loss Awareness Month

Those who live with an amputation show courage every single day of their lives. Limb loss is defined as the loss of all or part of an arm or leg due to trauma, infection, diabetes, heart diseases, cancer or other diseases. According to the Amputee Coalition, more than 500 Americans lose a limb each day and over 200 million are currently living with limb loss. In honor of these courageous individuals they have dedicated the month of April to Limb Loss Awareness Month.

Limb loss affects every generation, from young to old and people from all over the world. To raise awareness for those living with limb loss, the Coalition also dedicated Saturday, April 25, 2015 as “Show Your Mettle Day.” The Coalition is hoping that all amputees will proudly wear their “metal” – prosthetic devices or wheelchairs - on this day. Showing your mettle will help show your support for individuals and caregivers within the amputee community and can provide an opportunity to those living with limb loss to connect with one another from all over the country.

Regardless of the month, we should always celebrate those who continue to live life in the most positive ways despite their difficulties.  In honor of Limb Loss Awareness Month, be sure to “Show Your Mettle”, wear it proudly, and help empower both amputees and those affected by limb loss to achieve their fullest potential.  It’s time to strut your stuff and show the world what you are made of!