Beyond the Limb

Addressing Disparities in Limb Loss Recovery

Thu, 14 May 2026 15:30:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host Will Riddick speaks with Dr. Sheila Clemens about disparities in limb loss recovery and the complex factors that influence outcomes after amputation. Dr. Clemens shares insights from her research on functional recovery after dysvascular amputation, discusses the importance of multidisciplinary care and psychosocial support, and highlights how physical therapists can better identify barriers and advocate for equitable rehabilitation services.

Resources:

Clemens SM, Kershaw KN, McDonald CL, Darter BJ, Bursac Z, Garcia SJ, Rossi MD, Lee SP. Disparities in functional recovery after dysvascular lower limb amputation are associated with employment status and self-efficacy. Disability and Rehabilitation. 2023 Jul 3;45(14):2280-7.

Clemens SM, Kershaw KN, Bursac Z, Lee SP. Association of race, ethnicity, and gender to disparities in functional recovery and social health after major lower limb amputation: a cross-sectional pilot study. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation. 2024 Feb 1;105(2):208-16.

Amputee Coalition Deep Dive: The Resource You're Not Using Enough

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 15:30:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host Will Riddick interviews Amputee Coalition Director of Operations Whitney Doyle to explore how physical therapists can connect patients with limb loss and limb difference to vital resources beyond the clinic. They discuss the Coalition’s impact through peer support, education, advocacy, and programs like the National Limb Loss Resource Center, while highlighting practical ways clinicians can support patients’ emotional, social, and functional recovery. This episode offers actionable insights to help providers expand the continuum of care and improve long-term outcomes for those navigating life after amputation.

Links:

https://amputee-coalition.org/

https://amputee-coalition.org/wp-content/uploads/inMotion-Spring-2026-Final.pdf

Outcome Measures in Limb Loss Rehabilitation

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:30:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host William Riddick sits down with Meg Sions to explore the critical role of outcome measures in limb loss and limb difference rehabilitation. They discuss how combining patient-reported and performance-based measures enhances clinical decision-making, supports prosthetic prescription, and strengthens interdisciplinary communication. Dr. Sions shares practical strategies for selecting and implementing outcome measures, highlights common pitfalls, and emphasizes their power to motivate patients and track meaningful progress. The conversation also looks ahead to emerging technologies that may transform how clinicians assess real-world function.

Links:

Outcome Measure Resources - https://sites.udel.edu/megsions/outcome-measures/

Sions JM, Beisheim EH, Seth M. Selecting, Administering, and Interpreting Outcome Measures among Adults with Lower-Limb Loss: An Update for Clinicians. Curr Phys Med Rehabil Rep. 2020 Sep;8(3):92-109. doi: 10.1007/s40141-020-00274-4. Epub 2020 Aug 3. PMID: 33767921; PMCID: PMC7987109.

https://doi.org/10.1007/s40141-020-00274-4

Lessons from the VA Amputation System of Care

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 15:30:00 GMT

In this episode, Will Riddick talks with Patty Young, national program manager of the VA Amputation System of Care, discussing how the VA delivers coordinated, lifelong care for individuals with limb loss. She explains how the system uses interdisciplinary teams, standardized training, and strong communication networks to ensure consistent, high-quality care across the country, from pre-amputation through long-term community reintegration. Will and Patty talk about how to integrate these same practices outside of the Amputation System of Care.

Grief and Emotional Recovery After Limb Loss

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 15:30:00 GMT

In this episode, host Will Riddick explores the critical role of psychosocial aspects in limb loss rehabilitation with Dr. Emily Hawkins of Old Dominion University. They discuss grief, emotional coping, and practical strategies for clinicians to support patients through their emotional journey.

Balancing Performance and Patient-Reported Outcomes

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 07:01:30 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host Will Riddick and guest Allison Symsack discuss the importance of outcome measures in physical therapy for patients with limb loss. They explore the differences between performance-based and patient-reported outcomes, the implications of mismatches between the two, and the significance of gait symmetry and balance assessments. The conversation also highlights the role of outcome data in guiding communication with prosthetists and offers a framework for selecting appropriate measures in clinical practice. Through patient stories, they illustrate the impact of these assessments on rehabilitation and patient motivation.

Resources:

Wong CK, Chihuri ST. Impact of Vascular Disease, Amputation Level, and the Mismatch Between Balance Ability and Balance Confidence in a Cross-Sectional Study of the Likelihood of Falls Among People With Limb Loss: Perception Versus Reality. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2019;98(2):130-135. doi:10.1097/PHM.0000000000001034

Wong CK, Vandervort EE, Moran KM, Adler CM, Chihuri ST, Youdan GA Jr. Walking asymmetry and its relation to patient-reported and performance-based outcome measures in individuals with unilateral lower limb loss. Int Biomech. 2022;9(1):33-41. doi:10.1080/23335432.2022.2142160

Gailey RS, Gaunaurd I, Agrawal V, Finnieston A, O'Toole C, Tolchin R. Application of self-report and performance-based outcome measures to determine functional differences between four categories of prosthetic feet. J Rehabil Res Dev. 2012;49(4):597-612. doi:10.1682/jrrd.2011.04.0077

Tech on the Move: Staying Current with Prosthetic Innovations

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:30:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host Will Riddick engages with physical therapist Cosi Belloso of Cosi Talks to discuss the rapid evolution of prosthetic technology and its implications for patient care. Cosi shares her extensive background in physical therapy, her journey to founding Cosi Talks, and the importance of staying informed about innovations in the field. They explore various advancements, including microprocessor knees and osteointegration, and how these technologies are changing rehabilitation practices. Cosi emphasizes the significance of collaboration with prosthetists and the use of online resources, including AI tools like Chat GPT, to enhance knowledge and patient outcomes.

Learn more about Cosi and her work at cositalks.com

Building a Specialty Practice in Limb Loss Care

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:30:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host Will Riddick talks with Michelle Jamin, PT, DPT about her journey to build a specialty practice focused on limb loss care. She discusses the importance of patient referrals, collaboration with prosthetists and manufacturers, and the confidence she instills in her work. She emphasizes the trust built through relationships and its impact on patient care. She covers a lot of practice questions that someone would have trying to build their own practice.

Inpatient Readmission Models for Prosthetic Training

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 16:00:00 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host Will Riddick discusses the innovative inpatient readmission models for prosthetic training with Meredith Mayton from Sheltering Arms Institute. They explore the structure and benefits of the program, the importance of comprehensive care, and the challenges of insurance approval. Meredith shares insights on identifying ideal candidates for the program, the significance of documentation, and the role of a program champion. The conversation highlights patient success stories and the positive outcomes achieved through this intensive rehabilitation approach.

Active Again: Connecting Patients with Recreation and Adaptive Sports

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 04:05:10 GMT

In this episode of Beyond the Limb, host Will Riddick engages with experts Jonathan Glasberg and Leif Nelson to explore the vital role of adaptive sports in the rehabilitation of individuals with limb loss. They discuss personal journeys into the field, the significance of athletic identity, barriers to participation, and the resources available for clinicians. The conversation highlights inspiring patient stories and the importance of community support in fostering a culture of inclusion and empowerment through adaptive sports.