Becoming a confident prosthetic user is not always a straight-line journey; there are often many ups and downs along the way. And while it is completely normal to have setbacks when learning to use a prosthetic device, it can feel discouraging in the moment. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help you work through your prosthetic challenges and reach your goals.

Kenney Orthopedics offers several professional resources and services, including our peer mentor programs, walking schools, community programs and a dedicated team of healthcare professionals ready to assist you! We are trained to help you navigate common challenges you may face when using your prosthetic device, by way of device fabrication and modification, collaboration with your healthcare team, and ongoing support. Both new and experienced prosthetic users are encouraged to attend our amputee walking schools and access our unique community resources to gain new knowledge and skills in a collaborative and welcoming environment. With the expertise and support found at Kenney Orthopedics, you’ll be able to work through any challenges you face with confidence.

5 Steps to Finding the Motivation to Work Through Prosthetic Challenges

1. Set Realistic, Short-Term Goals

While it’s always important to keep long-term goals in mind, the key to meeting those goals and feeling empowered along the way is setting a path towards smaller, more achievable goals. Smaller goals can motivate you towards the long-term outcomes you want to achieve by providing realistic milestones that can be celebrated along the way.

2. Connect with Peers

Peers in the prosthetic community offer support in many ways. Finding comradery among those on a similar journey and drawing from their experience is an important part of helping you contextualize your own prosthetic challenges. After all, it’s often easier for anyone to face an obstacle when they don’t have to face it alone. Our peer mentors, along with various limb loss associations make it easier to find your community online or in person.

3. Find a Role Model

There’s a lot to be learned from someone who has gone through the same or similar prosthetic challenges that you are facing. The support and knowledge they provide can be incredibly motivating as you navigate through your own set of challenges. It can be very comforting to know you have a person to connect with every step of the way. Check out our peer mentor programs in your area to find a role model who's ready, willing, and able to support you on your journey.

4. Stay Active

Our drive to push through any challenge often comes from our own self-confidence and the amount of experience we’ve had with overcoming obstacles. Regardless of your level of experience, our walking schools help you develop skills that will empower you to face common prosthetic challenges with confidence. Led by Paralympic gold medalists and honorary lifetime members of the American Academy of Orthotists and Prosthetists, our walking schools give you the tools you need to be more proficient and confident when using your prosthetic device.

5. Get Help from the Experts

Some prosthetic challenges, such as ill-fitting devices or non-functioning components require professional intervention. It is essential that your team of healthcare professionals includes Certified Prosthetists who are willing to listen, solve problems, and create an environment of trust and expertise so that you can achieve the best possible outcome. At Kenney Orthopedics, our care teams are skilled, compassionate, patient, and supportive, and when you leave your visits, you will feel like you’ve got a clear vision of your path ahead.

Contact Us

Find help working through prosthetic challenges with the talented care team and patient resources found at Kenney Orthopedics.

Speak with a Certified Prosthetist, join the peer mentor program, or sign up for a walking school and find the motivation and support you need to deal with the challenges you face while using your prosthetic device.

Connect with Kenney Orthopedics today. We have offices located in and around Lexington, KY; Louisville, KY; Indianapolis, IN; and Charlotte, NC. A member of our team is standing by to connect you with the care you need today.