Prepping Your Prosthesis for Travel
Author: Tanya Rabe, Right Foot Adventures
Traveling as an amputee is incredibly rewarding, but it comes with a few extra steps in the planning process. The good news? With the right preparation, you can set yourself up for a smoother, more comfortable journey. Here are some ways to prepare for your next adventure.
1. Schedule a Prosthetist “Tune-Up” (my favourite tip)
Before any big trip, book an appointment with your prosthetist. Think of it as a pre-travel checkup for your prosthesis. My prosthetist blows out the dust from my knee components before I travel — something small that makes a big difference. Even if your limb feels fine, a tune-up ensures minor issues don’t turn into big problems while you’re away. Ask your prosthetist to check alignment, socket fit, and wear and tear on key parts. A little maintenance before travelling can save a lot of stress later.
2. Record Adjustment Tutorials on Your Phone
Here’s a tip that offers peace of mind: when your prosthetist makes minor adjustments — like turning your foot out, tightening your arm straps, adjusting swing phase, or fine-tuning alignment — record the process on your phone. Having a video means that you’ll know exactly what to do if something feels off during your trip. It’s far easier to follow a quick demo than to recall instructions when you’re tired or stressed.
3. Ask for Local Prosthetist Contacts
Another smart step is to ask your prosthetist for a list of colleagues in the city or country you’ll be visiting. Many belong to international networks and can connect you with trusted practitioners abroad. If something unexpected happens — a broken component or socket issue — you’ll know where to turn instead of scrambling to find help.
4. Create an Amputee-Specific Packing List
We all make packing lists, but amputees need to take our lists one step further. Beyond clothes and toiletries, think about your prosthetic care routine and what you rely on daily.
Some essentials to consider… • Tools: Allan key, small screwdriver, duct tape (a lifesaver for quick fixes). • Skin care: Salve, anti-chafing products, antibiotic cream, moisturizer. • Prosthetic supplies: Extra liners, socks, sleeves, and anything you use regularly. • Tech gear: Chargers, plug adapters, spare batteries, or power packs for powered components.
Before any big trip, book an appointment with your prosthetist. Think of it as a pre-travel checkup for your prosthesis. My prosthetist blows out the dust from my knee components before I travel — something small that makes a big difference. Even if your limb feels fine, a tune-up ensures minor issues don’t turn into big problems while you’re away. Ask your prosthetist to check alignment, socket fit, and wear and tear on key parts. A little maintenance before travelling can save a lot of stress later.
2. Record Adjustment Tutorials on Your Phone
Here’s a tip that offers peace of mind: when your prosthetist makes minor adjustments — like turning your foot out, tightening your arm straps, adjusting swing phase, or fine-tuning alignment — record the process on your phone. Having a video means that you’ll know exactly what to do if something feels off during your trip. It’s far easier to follow a quick demo than to recall instructions when you’re tired or stressed.
3. Ask for Local Prosthetist Contacts
Another smart step is to ask your prosthetist for a list of colleagues in the city or country you’ll be visiting. Many belong to international networks and can connect you with trusted practitioners abroad. If something unexpected happens — a broken component or socket issue — you’ll know where to turn instead of scrambling to find help.
4. Create an Amputee-Specific Packing List
We all make packing lists, but amputees need to take our lists one step further. Beyond clothes and toiletries, think about your prosthetic care routine and what you rely on daily.
Some essentials to consider… • Tools: Allan key, small screwdriver, duct tape (a lifesaver for quick fixes). • Skin care: Salve, anti-chafing products, antibiotic cream, moisturizer. • Prosthetic supplies: Extra liners, socks, sleeves, and anything you use regularly. • Tech gear: Chargers, plug adapters, spare batteries, or power packs for powered components.
Keep the most important items in your carry-on in case your luggage gets delayed.
5. Listen to Your Body on the Road
Preparation doesn’t stop once you’re packed. Travel days can be long and demanding. Heat, swelling, or a lot of walking might lead to skin irritation or socket discomfort. Bring along whatever helps you manage those challenges — whether it’s an extra liner, pain relief medication, or simply building downtime into your itinerary.
Final Thought
Travel as an amputee is possible — and incredibly rewarding — but it does require thoughtful preparation. From a prosthetist tune-up to packing the right tools, each step you take before leaving home helps build confidence and peace of mind. With the right planning, you’ll spend less time worrying about your prosthesis and more time enjoying the adventure.
Preparation doesn’t stop once you’re packed. Travel days can be long and demanding. Heat, swelling, or a lot of walking might lead to skin irritation or socket discomfort. Bring along whatever helps you manage those challenges — whether it’s an extra liner, pain relief medication, or simply building downtime into your itinerary.
Final Thought
Travel as an amputee is possible — and incredibly rewarding — but it does require thoughtful preparation. From a prosthetist tune-up to packing the right tools, each step you take before leaving home helps build confidence and peace of mind. With the right planning, you’ll spend less time worrying about your prosthesis and more time enjoying the adventure.
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