Re: Follow up to Bilateral Swim Stubbies Question
mark benveniste
Description
Collection
Title:
Re: Follow up to Bilateral Swim Stubbies Question
Creator:
mark benveniste
Date:
10/13/2006
Text:
Original Post
Dear Colleagues,
Simple question.
Has anyone made bilateral AK swim stubbies?
Were they successful and useful to the patient?
Thanks,
-Mark
Mark Benveniste RN BS CP
Dear Colleagues,
Thank you for your many responses.
I heard from several people that they did not believe that swimming stubbies would benefit the pt. Two responses reported that they had successfully made swim stubbies for people to scuba dive and that they helped them stabilize themselves in water.
Recently, our therapist suggested we try to do something to accomodate the pt's request to swim. She thought it could be beneficial to his ongoing therapy
Subsequently, I did make swim stubbies for a gentleman who is now able to swim on the surface with success. He enjoys being in the water because of the therapeutic aspect of being in the water alone, a relief from sitting, and getting cardiovascular as well as strengthening exercise. He says this is the most fun he has had since becoming a bilateral AK amputee
I suggested he uses a mask and snorkel and that has increased his ability to focus on his muscle groups, increase his endurance, and relieve strain on his back.
While I think swim stubbies for short AK's would probably not be effective, this person benefits because his limbs are of moderate length, and he is motivated.
In addition, because of pain in one of his residual limbs, he is unable to bear weight and walk, and is considering revision surgery.
The sockets were laminated and I used a double ended adapter that bends to several different degrees so I could find the angle that was optimal. I attached feet and we then put the Pts fins on the feet.
I made the sockets in such a way, that at some point in time, he may be able to use them for walking as well.
It was a fun project and one that I will consider in the future for the right candidate
Mark Benveniste RN BS CP
MED VA Med Ctr
Houston TX
USA
Dear Colleagues,
Simple question.
Has anyone made bilateral AK swim stubbies?
Were they successful and useful to the patient?
Thanks,
-Mark
Mark Benveniste RN BS CP
Dear Colleagues,
Thank you for your many responses.
I heard from several people that they did not believe that swimming stubbies would benefit the pt. Two responses reported that they had successfully made swim stubbies for people to scuba dive and that they helped them stabilize themselves in water.
Recently, our therapist suggested we try to do something to accomodate the pt's request to swim. She thought it could be beneficial to his ongoing therapy
Subsequently, I did make swim stubbies for a gentleman who is now able to swim on the surface with success. He enjoys being in the water because of the therapeutic aspect of being in the water alone, a relief from sitting, and getting cardiovascular as well as strengthening exercise. He says this is the most fun he has had since becoming a bilateral AK amputee
I suggested he uses a mask and snorkel and that has increased his ability to focus on his muscle groups, increase his endurance, and relieve strain on his back.
While I think swim stubbies for short AK's would probably not be effective, this person benefits because his limbs are of moderate length, and he is motivated.
In addition, because of pain in one of his residual limbs, he is unable to bear weight and walk, and is considering revision surgery.
The sockets were laminated and I used a double ended adapter that bends to several different degrees so I could find the angle that was optimal. I attached feet and we then put the Pts fins on the feet.
I made the sockets in such a way, that at some point in time, he may be able to use them for walking as well.
It was a fun project and one that I will consider in the future for the right candidate
Mark Benveniste RN BS CP
MED VA Med Ctr
Houston TX
USA
Citation
mark benveniste, “Re: Follow up to Bilateral Swim Stubbies Question,” Digital Resource Foundation for Orthotics and Prosthetics, accessed November 2, 2024, https://library.drfop.org/items/show/227422.
