Life without an arm is possible, but at what cost? According to the National Trauma Data Bank, there were 12,419 trauma-related upper-extremity (UE) amputations between 2009 to 2012, of which 1,386 were considered major amputations. As if the loss of an arm is not enough, this population also reports concerns about phantom limb pain, mental health, sleep, medications, and the reduced ability to exercise. They experience secondary conditions, including generalized pain, overuse injuries of their sound limbs, perceptions of isolation, and social stigma. Using a multidisciplinary holistic approach when providing treatment and education is imperative to reduce the potential negative impact of UE limb loss.

Prosthetic training, therapeutic activities, and therapeutic exercises are the most frequent interventions used in the first year following UE limb loss. With or without a prosthesis, there is a high potential for atrophy around the affected limb, causing musculoskeletal asymmetry and overuse injuries. While prosthetic device use can improve independence and quality of life, using a prosthesis will not, by itself, prevent asymmetry and overuse injuries from occurring. Early education and advocacy from a multidisciplinary rehabilitation team are needed to help patients with UE limb loss maximize range of motion (ROM), strength, and conditioning. These activities will increase the potential for success at home, at work, when playing sports and engaging in recreational activities.

Learning to move through life with new restrictions can be daunting for the patient and therapist. Maintaining core stability and overall symmetry is important for health and well-being. Therefore, this article aims to provide general education on approaches to achieve strength and stability after a UE amputation. These prosthetic options and clinical practices support increased participation in occupational and recreational activities, such as strength training, Pilates, yoga, and adaptive sports.