Amputees have many challenges to overcome. The loss of a limb can be life-changing, to say the least. One struggle some amputees face is called Phantom Limb. This scientific mystery can be painful and scary for amputees. Thankfully, there are many resources to help them find relief. What Is Phantom Limb Phantom Limb is the […]
Returning to your normal level of activity after an amputation can sometimes feel like an impossible task. However, with the right prosthetic device, guidance from your doctor, and persistence, anyone can get back to the quality of life they desire. The Importance of Exercise After an Amputation It’s important to take time to heal, but […]
Everyone has a different journey to working in prosthetics and orthotics, but for most of the individuals who help patients at Excel Prosthetics, their journey was based on the desire to help people overcome personal challenges. Richard Ruble is a Certified Prosthetist Orthotist (CPO) serving Excel patients in Roanoke and Lynchburg, Virginia. He had a […]
Charles leads a fast-paced life – almost as fast as he talks. He never seems to slow down and he certainly didn’t allow his amputation to slow him down. A Southwest Virginia native, he knows the value of hard work and owns his own business and even travels for it. In 2017, Charles had to […]
At Excel Prosthetics, our practitioners and staff take pride in assuring that every patient has the opportunity to return to enjoying the same quality of life they led prior to their injury. Stephen Epperly, one of our Orthotist-Prosthetist in Radford, is no exception. He’s been with Excel for the past four years but has been […]
For many amputees, one prosthetic will need to last a lifetime. That’s why proper care of your prosthetic device is so important. We take the time to care thoroughly for our patients, so why not your device too? Preparation for Your Prosthetic Proper care of your prosthetic starts before you even have it in place. […]
While Excel helps individuals who are in need of both prosthetics and orthotics and our doctors can tell you at a glance which one a patient might need; to the general public, the difference may not be as clear. A major part of our job is to educate patients, therapists, local doctors, and the public […]
Have you ever wondered how you can contribute to the prosthetic community? There are several organizations and causes that could use your help. Here’s a quick look at a few prosthetic centered charities and how to get involved. The True Cost of a Prosthetic Limb For those on the outside, seeing an individual with a prosthetic limb […]
Elevated vacuum is a term that describes a particular style suspension utilized in transtibial (below the knee) and transfemoral (above the knee) prosthetic sockets. An electric or mechanical pump is attached to the socket and provides a constant, monitored suction; pulling the liner and the patient’s residual limb towards the inner socket walls. This vacuum […]
We get a lot of questions about the difference between ‘custom fit’ and ‘custom fabricated’. The distinction can get a little gray or fuzzy. The most important criteria between the two refers to time of usage. Custom Fit is typically for acute usage (3-6 months). While Custom Fabricated devices are designed to be used long-term or […]
