Show Me the Ozarks September 2022

Health SMTO

‘Time is of the Essence’ How Proper Healing Can Accelerate New Amputees’ Return to Normal Activities By Savanah Bandy F acinganamputation ismentally, emotionally and financially challenging. Almost every aspect of life is touched by the loss of a limb. But with proper healing practices, it’s possible for a new amputee to maximize the speed with which they can return to normal activities. Grand Prosthetics & Orthotics LightWeight Artificial Limbs & Braces is a family-owned, veteran-owned custom-prosthetics service in Grove, Oklahoma. Owners Dave and Beverly Helms and their son, Andy, have a combined 100 years of certified experience creating custom prosthetics for people in Grove and the surrounding area. And they do things a little differently. “Our job is not just to build custom prosthetics – we treat the whole person,” said Beverly Helms. “It’s our mission to realistically build their confidence in their own ability, encourage them to persevere and comply with rehab care.”

They have found patients are most successful when prosthetics care can begin as soon as possible following surgery – ideally the day the staples or sutures are removed. “Time is of the essence during the healing process,” Beverly said. “We always strive to keep to a minimum the time needed between healing of tissue and fitting of the prosthesis, thus reducing deformities. We like to begin working with patients as quickly as possible so we can reinforce necessary treatments to avoid disease progression and begin teaching them self-care processes to maximize their rehabilitation potential.” At Grand Prosthetics, new amputees learn: • How to avoid falls/prevent adhesions • How to properly clean the residual limb • How to properly wrap/shrink the residual limb • How to extend joints to reduce likelihood of contractures • Exercise and massage techniques to promote circulation and healing • How to deal with phantom limb • Diet and nutrition to promote healing • How to properly put on and remove the prosthesis • How to walk, move and kneel while wearing the prosthesis • How to climb stairs while wearing the prosthesis “If a patient meets with us the day of suture removal, follows all of our healing instructions and doesn’t have any additional needs, we can typically fit them with their own custom-made prosthesis just 2 to 3 months after the amputation,” Beverly said. No two prostheses are alike. At Grand Prosthetics, every patient receives a custom-made limb designed for their maximum comfort and support. “We fit the most safe, technologically functional, cosmetic prosthesis possible, but the amputee’s physiological and psychological abilities determine how well they can walk,” Beverly said. That’s why the team spends so much time and care treating the whole person. They encourage amputees to use mental and physical healthy practices to stay motivated and positive. “I love the quote, ‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,’” Beverly said. “We want to be the ones to help new amputees take that first step, literally, toward restoring hope and returning to normalcy after an amputation.”

I am glad a friend told me about... “ “

& Orthotics

5 East 14th St Grove Ok 74344 ARTIFICIAL LIMBS & BRACES 918 786 4626 ) ( CERTIFIED LICENSED HELMS FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED - FREE CONSULTATIONS www .Grand Pro. com

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