Amputees of all ages and abilities are welcome at Össur Mobility Clinics, a series of specialized workshops designed to enhance lower-limb amputees’ experience in sports and recreational activities, which will take place across the U.S. in 2015.
The free clinics, which are sponsored by Össur and presented by the non-profit Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF), provide a safe and encouraging environment where attendees learn how to achieve their mobility goals through fun drills and exercises.
“For more than 15 years, Össur has offered this important resource to the amputee community, and we have been pleased to watch its growth, from a few dozen participants in the early years, to over 300 people in 2014,” said Kim De Roy, CPO/PT, Össur Americas’ Vice President of Sales & Marketing and Education, Prosthetics. “We are proud to partner with CAF on this invaluable program, which truly helps more people enjoy a life without limitations.”
Renowned amputee gait training experts Bob Gailey, Ph.D., PT, of the University of Miami, and Peter Harsch, CP, help teach new and experienced individuals functional gait techniques intended to maximize their prosthetic capabilities and movement in multiple directions. Each attendee is paired with designated clinical volunteers, who provide personalized guidance on proper gait form, offer physical support when needed, and ensure that participants maintain appropriate exertion levels.
Those wishing to explore higher activity levels can also learn safe ways to improve speed and balance, and practice leg-over-leg running mechanics and training skills for activity-specific exercises, based on their interests and abilities. Clinic participants also have an opportunity to meet and learn from world champion parathletes.
“Through our partnership with Össur, the Mobility Clinics help CAF fulfill its mission of helping people with physical challenges live full, active lives through participation in fitness activities and competitive sports,” said Virginia Tinley, CAF’s Executive Director.
Six Össur Mobility Clinics, including several that are paired with Flex-Run Workshops for prosthetics professionals the prior day, have been confirmed for 2015: Washington; New York; Tucson, Arizona; Boston; San Antonio; and San Diego.
Although participation at all Össur Mobility Clinics is free, advance registration is required for attendees and volunteers. Additional details are available at http://www.ossur.com/mobility
