Phantom limb pain (PLP) remains a complex and inadequately defined phenomenon experienced by most amputees, causing severe pain in the absent part of their body.
Similar to other chronic pain conditions, PLP can debilitate individuals when it emerges. However, promising avenues are emerging in the field of technology and medicine for managing PLP, offering hope for a brighter future.
Alongside conventional medical and holistic approaches, researchers are diligently working to comprehend and address this enigmatic issue, contributing to a better understanding of the phenomenon.
At the Atlantic Clinic, a team is …
Exploring Medical Cannabis for Pain Management
Amputees are increasingly exploring the potential benefits of medical cannabis for effective pain management with minimal side effects.
As the Canadian cannabis industry flourishes and public opinion in North America evolves, medical cannabis has emerged as a natural alternative for pain relief. However, the claims of its benefits often surpass the scientific evidence, leading to ongoing debates and confusion regarding its role as a prescription alternative.
Cannabis is available in three main varieties: Sativa (known for energetic and euphoric effects), Ruderalis (non-psychedelic, hunger-stimulating, and anti-nausea effects…
Fostering Self-Esteem: Mary Anne Jackson’s Influence
At 56 years old, Mary Anne, a content and happily married mother of three grown children, approaches her missing limb with a straightforward attitude. However, her journey to this mindset was not always so clear-cut.
Born as a congenital amputee, Mary Anne’s formative years were spent in Toronto during the 1960s and 1970s, a period when the concept of inclusion wasn’t prevalent.
Similar to many individuals with amputations, Mary Anne’s childhood was marked by the use of various artificial limbs.
At the age of ten, she was fitted with a body-powered upper-extremity prosthesis equipped with a figure-8 …
Jason Lucci’s Reflection: Family, Fortitude, and Gratitude
Jason Lucci considers himself fortunate, not in the sense that his hand wasn’t fully taken by the pasta-making machine that caused his amputation, but for the blessings that accompanied his recovery – family support, his resilience, and the community he’s built to aid fellow amputees on their journeys.
Amid the trials, his journey has been a blend of personal growth and helping others facing similar challenges, creating a cycle of support and strength.
In 2017, an accident at work led to the loss of Lucci’s right hand. Remarkably, he sees a form of fortune even in that unfortunate incident. While operating…
Inside Darda Sales: All About the Bounce
Upon stepping into the competitive swimming realm, Darda Sales discovered her lane, but she didn’t confine herself to just that one path.
Unafraid of setbacks, she perceives life as a continuous learning journey. Navigating the intricacies of motherhood as an above-knee amputee, she extended her roles to encompass researcher, coach, classifier, and advocate for athletes with disabilities, particularly within the realm of swimming, through her involvement with Swim Ontario.
In life, challenges and difficult times are universal occurrences, regardless of whether one has a disability.
Darda’s philosophy …
Canoeing via Adaptive Program
Though it happened 11 years ago, the memory is still vivid in my mind. I volunteered to assist in launching PaddleAll, the national adaptive program in western Ontario. This led me to my first paracanoe conference, where I found myself as the only athlete with a disability.
A pivotal moment came when the need for a para-athlete to represent Canada at the European Cup arose, and all eyes turned to me in the room of delegates.
Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I reflected on my racing experiences, even though I wasn’t exactly a “high-performance” athlete when I joined the sport as an adult amputee.
Water …
How to Get Proper Nutrition as an Amputee
Good nutrition can be a valuable asset in facing life’s challenges as an amputee. Luckily, you can maximize its benefits by focusing on consuming real foods that are abundant in lean protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, all in the right proportions.
Here are some strategies that can help you:
Learn What You Should Eat
The types of foods you eat, their combinations, and portion sizes all contribute to these factors. If you encounter challenges in achieving a diverse and well-rounded diet, consider seeking advice from your healthcare provider, who might recommend supplements.
Ideally, you want…
Tools You Need to Make Your Own Gym at Home
During my sessions with clients in large corporate gyms, I often use advanced equipment mainly because it’s available and my clients are already paying for membership privileges.
Certainly, high-tech gym equipment has its advantages. It’s effective and convenient to use. However, if a client prefers to exercise at home, I can provide them with an equally effective workout as they’d receive in a fully-equipped gym.
This is especially beneficial for individuals who can’t always make it to a gym or lack access. But here’s an interesting point: some people don’t find at-home workouts as …