Life Care Center of Florissant helps double amputee walk again

Jimmie Spain needed total assistance with walking, standing and transferring from one surface to another when he arrived at Life Care Center of Florissant, Missouri, on Jan. 13, 2017.

Spain recently underwent a below-the-knee amputation on his left leg. He previously had a below-the-knee amputation on his right leg.

Physical therapists worked with Spain with a focus on strengthening and stretching to prepare him for his new prosthesis. Occupational therapists focused on activities of daily living to prepare him for his return home. He remained in the facility waiting for his prosthesis with the hope of returning home in the future.

Spain received his new prosthesis in March and resumed physical therapy. Motivated to return home, he began with standing in the parallel bars and progressed to walking with a walker, as well as negotiating steps.

"I have made great progress with therapy and feel ready to go home," Spain said.

Spain returned home on May 28, able to stand and walk on his prosthetic legs with supervision with a walker. He was able to perform bed mobility and transfers independently.