Tips for Better Balance and Control as an Amputee
Did you know you have a 6th Sense?
Proprioception is the sense that tells your body where it is in space through sensory receptors located in our skin, muscles and joints.
Girl upside down in metro!
Understanding Proprioception After Amputation: Rebuilding Connection with Your Body
Proprioception is one of those body functions that often goes unnoticed until something happens to disrupt it. In simple terms, proprioception is your body’s ability to sense where its parts are without needing to look. You don’t have to see your hand to know you’re holding a cup—it’s automatic.
Try this: close your eyes & touch your nose. Did you get it? That’s proprioception!
But after an amputation, things change, and proprioception takes on a whole new meaning.
Proprioception After Amputation: A Brain Stuck in Time
Even after a limb is amputated, your brain doesn’t simply erase the sense of that missing part. In fact, your brain continues to send and receive signals from what used to be there. This is why many amputees experience a phenomenon known as phantom limb pain (PLP). You may still feel as if your missing limb is present, sometimes it can even be painful. The brain holds onto that connection, almost like it’s trying to update you on a situation that’s no longer relevant.
Some amputees find their phantom limb feels frozen in a particular position. There’s a theory behind this: the brain stores a memory of the limb's last position before amputation. Think of it like a computer trying to save your progress before a reboot—it’s holding onto the last known position. This can lead to feelings of stiffness or even pain in a part of the body that no longer exists.
Rewiring the Brain: The Nervous System’s Incredible Adaptation
After an amputation, your brain and nervous system don’t just sit back and do nothing—they get to work. The central nervous system starts to reorganize itself, from the spinal cord all the way to the cerebral hemispheres. It’s like a city rerouting traffic after a major road closure. Your body adapts, finding new ways to process information and keep you moving.
This neural reorganization doesn’t just affect the missing limb. It also impacts how the rest of your body functions, especially when it comes to balance and gait. Many amputees experience asymmetrical weight distribution, which can increase the risk of falls or lead to a bit of an unsteady walk. But here’s the good news: proprioception can be retrained.
Retraining Your Body: Taking Control of Proprioception
Your body is an amazing machine, and proprioception can be improved with practice. Working with a physical therapist can help you learn how to regain balance, adjust your gait, and feel more confident in your movements. Strengthening exercises, balance work, and even just becoming more mindful of how you move can all make a big difference.
If you’ve ever felt like your body is betraying you, especially after an amputation, there’s hope. With time, patience, and the right tools, you can help your brain and body form new connections. It’s not about being perfect; it’s about progress. Each step, no matter how small, is a victory.
Feeling Optimistic About the Future
Living with amputation comes with its challenges, but understanding proprioception and how it works is empowering. Your body is adaptable, and while it might feel like everything is in disarray at first, know that it’s possible to retrain your brain and regain control. With practice and perseverance, you can improve your health, balance, and quality of life. And most importantly, you’re not alone on this journey—many people have found ways to strengthen their connection with their body, and so can you!
