The rehabilitation process at Magee Rehabilitation is designed to ease that trauma that results from the loss of a limb and help the individual adapt both physically and emotionally to necessary lifestyle changes.

Program services are designed along two tracks: traumatic amputation (accidental severing) and disease-related amputation (diabetes, necrosis). There are also different methods of amputation treatment depending upon whether upper or lower extremities are involved. Services may be delivered in inpatient and/or outpatient programs. Magee's comprehensive approach to amputation care involves the latest in technology, combined with traditional, hands-on interventions.

In all of these services, goals for function and independence are addressed during four basic phases of rehabilitation.

The pre-prosthetic phase includes:

• Strengthening 
• Mobility
• Endurance training and preparation for fitting with a temporary prosthesis

The individual is then fitted with a temporary prosthesis, so that the individual can begin to adjust to the use of the limb, incorporate it into daily living skills and develop tolerance for wearing the limb.

The individual progresses to the outpatient phase, when a level of independence is achieved with the temporary limb.

Finally, the individual will be fitted with a permanent prothesis. Magee maintains active relationships with several orthotics and prosthetics retailers, to insure ease of access, fair price and good service for patients needing these devices. And Magee's follow-up services help patients maintain integrity of their residual limb(s) for the rest of their lives.

Magee also sponsors a unique, community-based, peer support group whose members are available to help new patients before and after their amputations. Called AMP-PEER, this all-volunteer group of persons with amputations provides encouragement and advice. Monthly group meetings are conducted at Magee.

Enrollment considerations for Magee's amputation rehabilitation programs are liberal. Magee welcomes case managers, rehabilitation specialists, discharge planners and family members for on-site tours and informational interviews.

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