ASSISTIVE DEVICES THAT COMPLEMENT YOUR PROSTHESIS

Learning to walk with a prosthesis is a journey, one built on patience, practice, and the right support.For many individuals with limb loss, assistive devices like walkers, canes, or crutches play an important role in building balance, strength, and confidence in daily movement.

At Bionic Prosthetics & Orthotics, we view these devices not as signs of limitation, but as temporary tools that help you move safely while your body adapts.

This blog explains:

• Why assistive devices may be needed

• How to choose the right one

• How to use them safely

• And how to transition off them when ready
  

Why Assistive Devices Matter

After amputation, your body learns new patterns of balance, posture, and weight distribution.Assistive devices help with:

• Stability while learning to walk

• Reducing fall risk during early gait training

• Improving alignment and weight-bearing tolerance

• Building trust in your prosthetic leg

Think of them like stepping stones, they’re there in the beginning to help you cross safely, not to stay forever.

Common Assistive Devices & When They’re Used

Walker

A walker provides the highest level of stability.

Best for:

• Immediately post-surgery

• Early prosthetic training

• Individuals with balance challenges

• Seniors or those with weaker hip/core strength

Benefits:

• Full-body balance support

• Encourages proper weight shifting

• Helps develop rhythm in gait

Cane

A cane provides light support, often used after walker training.

Best for:

• Intermediate walking stage

• Minor balance concerns

• Transitioning toward full independence

Benefits:

• Light balance cue

• Helps prevent limp

• Supports proper gait control

Important: The cane should be used on the opposite side of the prosthetic leg.

Crutches

Crutches offer flexible support and mobility, especially outdoors.

Best for:

• Individuals recovering from recent surgery

• Those who need dynamic support (stairs, uneven terrain)

Benefits:

• Promotes stronger upper body engagement

• Allows partial or full weight reduction when needed
  

How to Choose the Right Assistive Device

It depends on: Your prosthetist or physical therapist should help guide this choice. At Bionic Prosthetic & Orthotic, we evaluate your gait and strength to match the device to your current stage.

Using Assistive Devices Safely

Posture First

• Keep your head and chest upright - avoid “looking down at your feet” walking.

Step Slow, Then Smooth

• Control > speed - every step teaches your body a pattern.

Place Device Before Stepping

• This ensures you always have support before shifting weight.

Build Confidence, Not Dependence

• The goal is not to rely on the device - but to learn from it.
  

How to Transition Off Your Assistive Device

Transitioning off requires:

• Strength in the hips and glutes

• Stable step rhythm

• Confidence in limb pressure and movement
  

Gradual Transition Plan:

1. Reduce indoor use first

2. Walk short distances without the device under supervision

3. Practice weight shifting in front of a counter or table

4. Strengthen core and hip stabiliser daily

5. Move from walker → cane → no device when safe

Never rush the process, confidence matters more than speed.