Upper Body Strengthening After Amputation

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As you recover from amputation, you’ll need to keep your upper body strong. This will help you move between surfaces, such as your bed and wheelchair. A physical therapist will teach you exercises to strengthen your upper body. You may begin working with the physical therapist before or after your surgery. You’ll need to keep doing these exercises once you go home. Follow all instructions from the physical therapist or healthcare provider closely. If you have any questions, be sure to ask. Below are some of the exercises you may learn.

Starting position

The following exercises can be performed in a sturdy chair without wheels or a wheelchair with the wheels locked. Make sure your residual limb is supported and straight, not bent or dangling. Keep your wrists, neck, and back straight and aligned. Don’t hunch over.

Bicep curls

Place your foot flat on the floor.
Sit up straight. Grasp a 2-pound weight or rubber exercise band (as directed by your physical therapist). If using a band, secure the end beneath your foot or the bottom of the chair.
Turn your wrist upward with your arm resting on your knee.
Keep your elbow close to your body and your wrist straight. Slowly bend your elbow, moving your hand up toward your shoulder.
Slowly lower your hand back down.
Repeat 10 times with each arm. Do 2 sets 1 time a day.

Man with amputated leg sitting in wheelchair exercising with hand weight.

Seated press-ups

Place your foot flat on the floor.
Sit up straight. Grasp the armrests of the chair with both hands, palms down.
Press down, lifting your buttocks straight up from the chair.
Hold for a few seconds.
Bend your elbows and slowly ease back down to seated position.
Repeat 10 times. Do 2 sets 1 time a day.

Man with amputated leg sitting in wheelchair doing seated pressup.

Seated rows

Place your foot flat on the floor.
Secure the middle of a rubber exercise band in a doorjamb. Place it at about elbow height.
Grasp one end of the band in each hand with your elbows close to your sides.
Smoothly pull both arms back, keeping elbows close to your body. Gently squeeze your shoulder blades together.
Hold for a few seconds.
Slowly return your arms to starting position.
Repeat 10 times. Do 2 sets 1 time a day.