Keeping prosthetic care close to home

For many people living with limb loss in Gippsland, a prosthetic appointment can mean a long drive to Melbourne, a day out of the diary and plenty of time spent on the road.

But increasingly, local amputees are discovering that specialist prosthetic care is available much closer to home.

Local prosthetist Amelia Bright, from Ortho Advantage, provides prosthetic services throughout Gippsland, with a particular focus on creating and fitting prostheses that work for the way people actually live in the country.

That can mean walking across a paddock, navigating a gravel driveway, working in the garden, getting down to the beach or enjoying a game of local sport.

For Wonthaggi resident Michael Barber, his prosthetic leg has helped him get back to doing something he loves, playing croquet. Michael, who has an above-knee amputation, recently took out the Wonthaggi Croquet Club Championship.

His new prosthesis was developed around his individual needs, with Amelia even visiting the croquet club during practice to see how the leg performed on the lawn. The extra hands-on approach allowed adjustments to be made based on how Michael actually moved during a game, rather than simply how he walked inside a clinic.

The results have been significant, with Michael experiencing improved balance, fewer falls, smoother movement and greater confidence.

It is this practical, responsive approach that is particularly valuable for people living in rural areas.

"Prosthetic care needs to reflect where people live and what they want to do," Amelia said.

"A prosthesis for someone living on a farm can have very different requirements to one designed purely for footpaths and shopping centres."

Modern prosthetic technology also offers far more options than many people realise.

Advanced knee and foot systems can provide greater stability and adaptability across uneven ground, while specialised prostheses can help people get back to swimming, boating, fishing and other activities.

Perhaps most importantly, having a prosthetist nearby means problems can often be dealt with quickly.

A small adjustment or repair doesn't necessarily have to become a full-day trip to Melbourne.

For Gippsland amputees, local prosthetic care means less time travelling and more time getting on with life, whether that's working on the farm, enjoying the outdoors, playing sport or simply keeping up with family and friends.

Michael's championship win is a wonderful example of what can happen when good technology, personalised care and a strong local community come together.

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