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Feb 27 2024

Navigating Emotional Well-Being After Limb Loss

Losing a limb is a life-altering event that can have a profound impact on an individual's emotional well-being. Whether the loss is due to trauma, illness, or congenital conditions, the emotional journey following limb loss can be challenging. From coping with grief and anger to adjusting to a new way of life. Navigating emotional well-being after ...

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Jan 24 2024

Debunking Common Myths About Prosthetics

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...

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Dec 07 2023

Team Member Spotlight - Geena Frew

What is your position at Winpo? What was your journey to get there?   Prosthetic Resident. I completed a masters degree in Rehabilitation sciences from McMaster University. In the same year I also applied to the O&P George Brown College program and was accepted. I completed one year of the technical program, then got accepted into the clinic...

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Sep 27 2023

Factors to Consider When Choosing the Right Prosthetic

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 ...

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Sep 27 2023

The Evolution of Prosthetics

Over the years, prosthetic technology has undergone a remarkable evolution, transforming the lives of millions of people worldwide. This blog post explores the journey of prosthetics and how it has impacted the millions of individuals who live with limb loss.The Dawn of Prosthetics The history of prosthetics can be traced back to ancient civiliza...

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Aug 04 2023

Defining The Certified Orthotist

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...

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Jul 13 2023

Quality Sleep as a Person with an Amputation

Sleep is an essential part of our lives. It is crucial for our physical and mental well-being, and it helps us to maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, for people with limb loss, getting a good night's sleep can be a challenge. In this blog post, we will explore some tips and strategies that can help individuals with limb loss to sleep better.Inve...

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Jun 13 2023

Massage Therapy vs. Physical Therapy

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 ...

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Apr 27 2023

Patient and Employee Spotlight - Nick Leclerc

Nick Leclerc recently joined the WinPO team under somewhat unique circumstances, having the perspective of a person with an amputation while working in the industry. We wanted to take this opportunity to spotlight Nick and his experience.   1. How did you become a person with an amputation? I was born with Spina-Bifida and had a club foot for n...

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Apr 04 2023

Plantar Fasciitis

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...

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Feb 16 2023

Diabetes and Lower Limb Amputation

Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of amputation, most often that being a lower limb amputation. You might be asking yourself, ‘what is diabetes?’ There are two types of diabetes, a smaller percentage of people are diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, typically when they are a child, teen or young adult. It comes quickly when the body ...

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Jan 23 2023

Adjusting to Life After an Amputation

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 ...

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Oct 21 2022

Patient Spotlight - Amos Unruh

Amos Unrah has been a person with an amputation for most of his life. He has been a patient at Winpo for the past eight years since he moved to Manitoba. Below he shares some insight about his experience about having an amputation and what it is like to be a patient at Winpo.   Winpo: When did you become an amputee? AU: I lost my leg in a grain...

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Sep 09 2022

Survival Kits for Persons with An Amputation

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...

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Jul 28 2022

Golfing with an Amputation

With all of this warm weather it is the perfect time to get out for a round of golf. If you have recently lost a limb, you may believe you are unable to golf but that is not the case. With help from a professional team as well as support from friends and family, golfing is absolutely possible.   It is no secret that finding a physical activity c...

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Jul 15 2022

Practicing Yoga with a Prosthetic

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...

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May 05 2022

Sajjad Akhtar - Registered Orthotic Technician at Winnipeg Prosthetics and Orthotics

What is your role at Winpo and when did you join the team?   SA: I immigrated to Canada in September 2006 and within two weeks I joined WinPO team as a resident in orthotics. Currently I am working as a registered technician in Orthotics. On my first visit to WinPO I was interviewed in the first hour in the morning and in the 2nd hour, I was an ...

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Mar 24 2022

Running with a Lower Limb Amputation

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...

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Feb 28 2022

Service Animals for a Person with an Amputation

A service animal, typically a dog, is trained to assist a person who has a disability. Technically any animal can be a service animal as long as they are trained to assist the individual with everyday tasks. No matter what type of animal, they must be certified by accredited schools and/or training program. They can be trained by an individual but ...

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Jan 28 2022

Employee Spotlight - Marc Pépin

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...

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Dec 16 2021

How to Support a Person with an Amputation

There are many reasons why your loved one could have undergone an amputation or has a scheduled amputation. Whether it is from an accident or a disease such as cancer or diabetes, the important thing is to support them and be there for them when they need you.   If you are the only caregiver to someone who has just had an amputation, there will ...

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Oct 29 2021

WinPo Patient Spotlight - Diane Hrychuk

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...

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Sep 28 2021

Suspension Systems for Prosthetics

There are many different types of suspension systems that are used to suspend a prosthesis.  The suspension system of a prosthesis is a crucial factor in the design of a prosthesis. The suspension is how the socket is held to the residual limb. Good suspension will improve control of the prosthesis, limit movement within the prosthesis and decreas...

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Aug 26 2021

Back to School as a Person with an Amputation

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...

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Jul 28 2021

Patient Stories from WinPo - Bob Bergen

  When did you become an amputee?   I was first diagnosed with a degenerative small vessel disease called Buergers Disease effecting mostly my hands and feet in my early 20’s (I’m now 59) after losing a finger due to gangrene, and progressively losing several more fingers the disease started to progress to my toes.   Approximately 20 ye...

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Jun 16 2021

Hiking as an Amputee

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...

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May 27 2021

Starting a Career in Prosthetics and Orthotics

A career in Prosthetics and/or Orthotics is a well-respected profession within the medical field. It can be a little overwhelming to understand what path to take to best reach your goal of becoming a Certified Prosthetist or Orthotist. If you are interested in exploring this further, we are here to help answer some of your questions and give you th...

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Apr 29 2021

Cycling with an Amputation

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...

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Mar 30 2021

COAPT Technology with a Myoelectric Prosthesis

When a person with an upper limb amputation uses a prosthesis; there are typically three styles of prostheses to choose from: passive, body-powered, or myoelectric. The goals and abilities of a person with an upper limb amputation will help to determine the style of prosthesis that they receive.    A passive prosthesis has a lower level of func...

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Feb 16 2021

Managing Back Pain as a Person Living with an Amputation

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...

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Jan 21 2021

Tips to Stay Positive During Your Amputation Transition

It’s no secret that any type of amputation will change your life. Just like anything in your life, it is up to you on how you handle it and what type of attitude you will have around the situation. We understand that is easier said than done so we wanted to provide you with some ideas that might help. These ones might not work for you, the import...

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Dec 30 2020

Prosthetist and Orthotist Education and Training in Canada - Part 3

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...

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Nov 30 2020

Prosthetist and Orthotist Education and Training in Canada - Part 2

This is the second part of a three part series on Prosthetics and Orthotics (P&O) education and training in Canada. The first part can be found here: https://winpo.ca/blog/prosthetist-and-orthotist-education-and-training-in-canada/   Once the P&O student graduates from their education program they must complete a residency of a minim...

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Oct 29 2020

Prosthetist and Orthotist Education and Training in Canada

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...

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Sep 30 2020

Adaptive Clothing and Accessories for Amputees

When you think about all of the new skills a recent amputee has to learn, getting dressed might not be on the top of the list. But it is an important one, it can provide physical independence and comfort. Along with that, it can help with the psychological process of healing.   Adaptive clothing is quiet simply what it sounds like. Clothing that...

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Aug 28 2020

Rehabilitation for Amputees

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...

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Jul 29 2020

Breaking Down Amputations

As you may know there is a long list of possible amputations someone could have. Here we are going to briefly look at the 15 listed in the chart below.   Upper Body   Shoulder Disarticulation (SD) – The most common reason for this specific amputation is a tumor or a tragic accident where the arm is severed and cannot be saved. As you can se...

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Jun 28 2020

Warm Weather Considerations for Amputees

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...

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May 26 2020

Where to Find Inspiration as an Amputee

Whether you are a new amputee or have been one for years it is always great to see other people out there living their life as an amputee or helping people live their life as an amputee. With so much information on the internet today, we thought we would gather up a few resources for you and your family to take a look at.   Kristie Sita   Kri...

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Apr 24 2020

Proper Hand Washing Can Save Lives

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...

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Mar 23 2020

COVID-19 Update

To our WinPO clients, family, and friends,   WinPO will remain open with limited services and access starting March 23, 2020 until further notice, due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.   The Public Health authority is advising everyone practice social distancing and reduce non-essential services by allied health organizations, WinPO is doing its part...

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Mar 14 2020

Re: COVID-19

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 ...

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Feb 13 2020

What Can Cause the Loss of a Limb?

In Canada, there are approximately 200,000 amputees. The three most common causes of limb loss are from disease, accident and congenital limb difference. Statistically, the most frequent limb loss is the loss of a portion of the foot and leg, either transtibial (below the knee) or transfemoral (above the knee).  Below we will delve into these thre...

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Jan 17 2020

LIVING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE WITH LIMB LOSS

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...

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Dec 23 2019

Travelling with an Amputation

With the cold weather settling in a lot of people are planning a winter getaway. Whether it be to visit family or get a break from the cold weather on a beach it takes planning. When you are an amputee it may take a little extra planning, but we are here to help you arrange a holiday that is as stress-free as possible.   As you are planning your...

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Nov 28 2019

Winter With An Amputation

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...

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Oct 22 2019

PARENTING THE CHILD AMPUTEE – A NEW JOURNEY FOR YOU AND YOUR CHILD

In the beginning, becoming a parent of a child amputee can often feel overwhelming, frightening, and intimidating. You, and your child, are beginning a new journey together, but you are not alone. Many other families have walked this road before you, and with their past experiences, and the right resources, you can receive the support you need to h...

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Sep 23 2019

Phantom Limb Pain – You are not alone

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...

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Aug 25 2019

A Team to Help You on Your Journey

There can be several different reasons for an amputation to happen to an individual. They vary from an accident and emergency surgery to a planned surgery because of poor blood circulation, diabetes or cancer.   You might be left with several questions when you get the news that you have had to have an emergency amputation or that you need to pr...

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