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Prosthetics can significantly improve quality of life, enhancing mobility and independence for those who use them. However, like any other piece of equipment, they require regular care and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Here are some essential tips and best practices to help you care for your prosthetics effectively.Daily ...

Most of us have heard of the benefits that custom foot orthotics can have to treat foot abnormalities, such as pronation, plantar fasciitis or ulcers, but have you ever heard of a Morton’s Neuroma?   Morton’s neuroma is a benign neuroma of an intermetatarsal plantar nerve.  It is one of the less common foot ailments. Nonetheless, it can res...

The world of prosthetics has made incredible advances over the years, providing individuals with limb loss a new lease on life. However, with these advancements have come misconceptions and myths that can skew public understanding and affect the experiences of prosthetic users. Let's take a closer look at some of these myths and shed light on the r...

Deciding on the right prosthetic components and design can have a profound impact on the quality of life for individuals with limb loss. With advancements in technology and design, there is a wide range of options tailored to meet specific needs. However, choosing what’s right for each individual requires careful consideration of several factors ...

For many, including physicians and allied health professionals, orthotics and prosthetics have been somewhat of a mystery with respect to who provides them and what qualifications one must possess to do so.  In any community, orthotics and prosthetics are an important medical resource; thus, knowledge of the field and its qualified providers is in...

There are many different types of therapies that can help persons with an amputation manage discomfort and adjust to life without a limb and wearing a prosthesis.  Thankfully, there are many options that can make for a happy and healthy life after an amputation. Here we explore both massage therapy and physical therapy and how these practices can ...

Most Certified Orthotists, Certified Pedorthists and other medical professionals would agree that plantar fasciitis, statistically speaking, occupies top spot in foot-related pathologies. This article will attempt to share some insight into the keys to successfully assessing and treating this debilitating condition. Plantar fasciitis is an inflamma...

Over 225,000 Canadians live with an amputation every day. Whether it is upper or lower limb loss, often people are fitted with prosthesis that will help them continue to have the freedom to do tasks that they are used to. The tasks may have to be done in a different way but anything is possible with a plan with your healthcare team, including your ...

Whether you are adjusting to life with an amputation or are a long-time prosthetic user, one key strategy that may help is a small survival kit. A small bag that you always have with you that can help with any complications that might arise if you are away from home. It is good to consider having this bag with you whether you are away on holidays o...

Yoga has been used for centuries for all of the benefits that it offers. It aids in peoples mental and physical well-being no matter what the skill level is. Yoga is composed of movements which build strength and flexibility, along with that, there are periods of rest in the practice for meditation and mindfulness. The word ‘yoga’ means union o...

If you enjoy exercising by regularly running and have recently experienced a lower limb amputation or about to face one know that you will still have options to get back to the exercise you love. There are many options on the market and they continue to evolve and get more efficient all the time.   Working with your medical team and talking to y...

If you have had a chance to interact with Marc Pépin we are sure you had a great experience. Marc joined our team in September of 2019 and has been helping our patients since. He brings a wealth of knowledge to our clinic and works hard to find solutions no matter what stage of amputation you are dealing with. Below Marc talks about some of hi...

Diane Hrychuk is a long-time patient at WinPo, she is an inspiration to many participating in National and International sporting events when she was younger. As a person with an amputation for over 50 years, Diane has great insight!   When did you become an amputee? I became an amputee at the age of 15 on October 21, 1963.   What is a chall...

No matter what the circumstance is, when your child returns to school it can be stressful. Whether your child is returning to school for the first time since their amputation or it is the beginning of the school year in a new school or grade your child will have a mix of emotions. It is important to take steps to help your child and the school prep...

Hiking as a person with an amputation can be a great way to get outside and get active. One advantage to hiking is that it often does not require a special prosthesis. You can start slow and work your way up to longer more difficult trails. There are many hiking hacks that can help you to stay safe and enjoy your time outside without being uncomfor...

Now that the weather is warming up people are gearing up to get outside. Outdoor activities can be a challenge for those living with an amputation but not impossible. There are many options to assist in any activity that you might want to do outside. Biking is a popular pastime and can be good for your mental and physical health.   If you have j...

Back pain in persons with lower limb amputations is quite common. In fact, it can be more common to have back pain than not as an amputee. As you adjust to living life with limb loss and likely a prosthesis, finding strategies to either avoid back pain or fix the back pain can be the difference between living with or without pain.   In some case...

This is the third part of a three-part series on Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) education and training in Canada. The first and second parts can be found here:   https://winpo.ca/blog/prosthetist-and-orthotist-education-and-training-in-canada/   https://winpo.ca/blog/prosthetist-and-orthotist-education-and-training-in-canada-part-2/ Â...

This is the first of a three part series on Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) education and training in Canada.   We have a very exciting development to announce!   Winnipeg Prosthetics and Orthotics (WinPO) has worked closely with George Brown College (GBC) in Toronto, Health Sciences Center in Winnipeg and the Manitoba Orthotics and Pro...

There are many different types of amputations which in turn means there are different types of rehabilitation. Here we will look at different types depending on your goals and physical ability. Other factors that contribute to rehabilitation are; overall health, weight, age and physical ability before the amputation.   The goal of rehabilitation...

As the weather warms up many people are ready to get active. The nice weather can be inspiring and motivating to get outside and enjoy a variety of summer activities. As an amputee there may be a unique set of challenges and questions when enjoying the summer months.   Wearing gel/silicone liners and ply socks, along with warmer weather can be a...

According to health professionals, washing your hands is one of the top ways to protect you and your family from sickness and spreading illness.   Frequent and correct hand washing is simple if you take your time and know the steps to ensure your hands are clean and free of germs. Below you can review best practices to efficiently wash your hand...

We at WinPO are keeping up to date with the best available information from Health Canada, The Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).  We can assure everyone that none of our staff have travelled out of Canada within the last month and we are following the recommended procedures and guidelines for maintaining a ...

Typically, right after the loss of your limb, your journey to rehabilitation starts. Limb loss causes many changes in your life, both negative and positive. It is essential to use the positive and correct the negative the best you can. With so many changes it is vital to surround yourself with a team of professionals you are comfortable with and wi...

Winter is a season that is going to come, it is unavoidable and it can be tricky to navigate through the cold and snowy months. It is important to stay safe and think ahead as the snow settles in. If you are an amputee, especially a lower limb amputee, there are some dangers you will have to watch out for.   Falling or tripping is always a hazar...

Phantom limb pain, after an amputation, is a common side effect. If you experience this, you are not alone. Approximately 70% of amputees encounter phantom limb pain in the first six months of their amputation, although it can begin at anytime. It is most commonly found with arm and leg amputations but can appear with any amputation   Phantom li...