NHS Maltings, User Manual

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The prosthesis may be left uncovered for use in the
physiotherapy gym. This enables any adjustments to be
made as your residual limb settles down and as you become
used to the prosthesis.
Delivery Appointment
The cosmetic covering is applied at this time unless you
prefer to use it without any covering. Your prosthesis
may seem wider than your remaining limb; this is because
appearance of the prosthesis is dependent on the shape
and the remaining swelling of the residual limb. In time the
residual limb usually shrinks and so smaller sockets can be
provided.
Prosthetic Training
Your Prosthetist and therapist will show you how to use
the prosthesis. You will need a certain amount of practice
before you are safe to use it at home, please be patient.
It is important to realise that it takes a lot more energy to
walk with the prosthesis than with your own leg, therefore,
learning to walk may be quite tiring.
The activities you practice will depend on your individual
abilities and requirements, your amputation level and your
general health. These activities may include practising
walking outdoors, walking up and down steps, up and
down slopes, getting on and off the floor, walking
forwards and backwards and around obstacles, getting in
and out of a car etc.