Amputation care
The Houston VA Amputee Clinic offers a variety of peri-surgical services for Veterans with limb loss, and is ready to help throughout your life.
Our team includes physicians who specialize in amputation care, physical therapists, occupational therapists, kinesiotherapists, prosthetists, recreational therapist.
Our team also works with Preventing Amputations in Veterans Everywhere (PAVE) program to help Veterans prevent any further limb loss. We also have a Rehab Social Worker and Neuropsychologist who help with any social issues. Rehab also has Driver’s Rehabilitation and Vocational Rehabilitation Programs that regularly work with us to help Veterans increase their independence.
Other services include:
Pre-Surgery Consultation
If you are considering an amputation or have been told you need one and have questions, we want to help. Contact our Amputation Rehabilitation Coordinator to have a phone interview or to schedule a face-to-face discussion to get your questions answered at 713-791-1414, ext. 228054.
Acute Care
Therapy can begin the day after surgery if you doctor agrees you are ready. The therapists will work on walking, exercise, and education to ensure you will be ready when you leave the hospital.
CARF Accredited Rehab Unit
Our rehab unit is CARF accredited as well as having a specialty certification for amputation care. On this unit aggressive rehab is provided with 3 hours of therapy each day.
CARF Accredited Amputation Clinic and Therapy Programs
The Amputation clinic is where you go to get evaluated for a prosthesis. The whole clinic team will be there and will evaluate if you are strong enough and healthy enough to use a prosthesis. Only this clinic can order a prosthesis. You can get your prosthesis through VA regardless of service connection or where the surgery takes place.
Your prosthesis can be made on-site in our accredited lab or in the community. After obtaining a prosthesis you will come to see our therapists to learn how to use it.
To be seen in the Amputation Clinic or by an amputee specialty therapist, ask your provider to submit a consult. To learn more, call 713-791-1414, ext. 228054.
Education
Throughout our program you will be provided with education from each of your providers. We also have many different materials available for you to read. For access to the materials, come by the Amputation Clinic or call 713-791-1414, ext. 228054 to have them mailed to you.
Veteran’s Amputee Support Team (VAST)
Group meets virtually the last Tuesday of the month, from 2:00-3:00 p.m.. Friends and family are welcome to attend. Each month we cover a different topic of interest. For more information, please contact Bismy B. Joseph, Amputation Rehabilitation Coordinator, at 713-791-1414, ext. 228054.
Peer Visitor Program
For additional support, Veterans can speak with Amputee Coalition Certified Peer Visitors who have also experienced limb loss.
For more information or to schedule a visit, call 713-791-1414, ext. 228054.
Recreational Activity
Therapeutic Recreation is the provision of treatment and recreation services to persons with illness or disability. It restores, remediate, or rehabilitate, reducing the effects of the disability.
Recreation therapist offer treatment modalities ranging from providing leisure resource awareness, social gatherings, transit system trainings, organized community sports clinics, and involvement in local, regional, and national sporting events, all based on one’s assessed needs and level of functioning. These modalities are sure to assist one with successfully reintegrating into the community.
Recreational Therapists help Veterans re-learn and discover new leisure skills. There are therapeutic activities for Veterans of all ages, illness, and injuries offered. For more information, call 713-578-5516.