June 9, 2025 – Encompass Health Valley of the Sun Rehabilitation Hospital hosted its seventh annual amputee running clinic with more than 70 attendees, including runners, families, coaches, therapists and therapy students. Runners were able to try various running blades provided by community partners. The participants were guided through obstacle courses and relay events to test their abilities after receiving coaching on how to use muscle mechanics to run safely and effectively.
“Encompass Health Valley of the Sun is very active in the amputee community,” said Lori Ferguson, business development director for Encompass Health Valley of the Sun. “We offer support groups and activities to promote active living and community reintegration for those suffering with limb loss.”
According to the Amputee Coalition, 5.6 million Americans live with limb loss or limb difference. Ferguson said that events like these provide amputees with a sense of belonging.
“Limb loss is exactly that - a loss,” said Ferguson. “Survivors need to go through the grieving process. Having the support of someone who understands the difficulties of living with limb loss is imperative to recovery and living an active and fulfilling life.”
Every year Encompass Health Valley of the Sun former patients return to participate in the clinic. Event sponsors included Ability 360, Hanger Clinic, Spooner, Ottobock, Arizona Disabled Sports, Arise, WOW Fitness and Wellness and Pongratz Orthotics and Prosthetics.
Encompass Health Valley of the Sun provides inpatient therapy following amputation and once a prosthetic is received. In the inpatient rehabilitation setting, amputee patients benefit from a combination of physical and occupational therapy. Patients also receive medical care from rehabilitation nurses and physicians to care for the wound and manage pain. Following the prosthetic fitting, Encompass Health Valley of the Sun offers a multidisciplinary approach, including physical and emotional support, to reach maximum functional independence.
The hospital also holds The Joint Commission’s Disease-Specific Care Certification for Amputee Rehabilitation.
Photo credit: Spooner Physical Therapy