There's a common misconception that a prosthesis can't get wet, or that it can't be submerged in water-and from that misconception, many amputees believe that they can't do things like swim, walk through a puddle, or be out in the rain.
But does wearing a prosthesis today actually mean that you'll never be able to get in the water again? It turns out that most of today's prostheses are water resistant (with very few exceptions).
Because of new advances in technology, your prosthesis can get wet-whether you get caught in the rain, want to go swimming, or if you accidentally walk through a puddle.
In this video, certified prosthetists Scott Baranek and Nate Kapa from Bremer Prosthetics answer this commonly asked question! 💦
Key Takeaways
-Historically, prostheses were made from steel, which can be corroded by water.
-Today, most prostheses are made from water-resistant metals, like titanium, stainless steel, and aluminum.
-If your liner or sock gets wet from swimming, remove them so they can air-dry overnight, and replace them with dry ones.
-Thoroughly rinse your prosthesis with fresh water if you swim in salt water or in chlorine.
-Ask your prosthetist before exposing an electronic prosthetic component to water.
-Ask your prosthetist early about getting in the water so that they can build you a prosthesis that’s better designed to be in the water.
-The most important tool your prosthetist can give you is the knowledge about what you can and can’t do with your prosthesis.
Learn more: www.bremerprosthetics.com/lea...
00:00 Can I Get My Prosthetic Leg Wet?
00:11 History of Prosthetic Material
01:32 Below The Knee
02:30 Pin Locking Suspension
03:13 What If My Liner Gets Wet?
04:07 How To Dry My Liner
04:23 Carbon Fiber Water Resistant
05:21 Swimming in Salt Water and Chlorine
06:24 Electronic Components in Prosthesis
07:58 Tell Your Prosthetist You Want To Swim
09:45 Water Skiing With A Prosthetic Leg
10:47 Lap Swimming With A Prosthesis
12:45 Muscle Atrophy After Limb Loss
13:32 Water Therapy Is Great