As a general rule, if the prosthesis is exposed to chlorine or salt water, it should be washed with fresh water. Swimming in the ocean adds the difficulties of sand getting into and on the prosthesis, as well as getting from the coast into deep enough water to begin swimming. However, this depends on the type of prosthesis you have; some can be immersed in water while others cannot.
The best way to find out if you can swim in the ocean with a prosthetic leg is by trying it. The first thing you need to know is how sensitive your prosthesis is. Some people with hydraulic legs can go in up to 10 feet of water for about 30 minutes at a time while others will only be able to stand so much pressure on their foot before it fails. If you're not sure how sensitive your prosthesis is, try going into waters that are less than that distance and see how you do. Also, remember that not all beaches are built the same. Some may be fine with heavy traffic while others may not be able to handle large groups of people walking on their shoreline. Try to find one that has no parking lot, street, or other type of surface that could damage your prosthesis.
Once you know what kind of water you can handle, find a place with clear water where you don't mind getting wet and give it a try.
You may be wondering if you can swim with a breast prosthesis if you've recently undergone a mastectomy. Swimming with prosthesis is safe as long as your doctor gives the all-clear—especially if you pick mastectomy swimwear made of chlorine-resistant fabric. These suits are available in men's and women's sizes, and unlike regular swimsuits, they don't have any buttons or zippers that could cause problems if you have prostheses attached.
If you decide to swim in a suit that covers everything but your neck, make sure it doesn't have any material that would rub against your chest cavity. Also, look for labels that say "chlorine resistant" or "swim worthy" on articles of clothing used by people who have had mastectomies. These garments are designed specifically for women who have had this type of surgery and can help avoid skin issues caused by friction between the remaining tissue and other materials.
There are several different types of prostheses. Each one is designed to fit over a particular area of the body. Some are adjustable while others are not. Some look like large breasts while others look more natural. Whatever shape or size you choose, make sure you get advice from your surgeon and wear a garment that fits properly before going into the pool.
If you have additional questions about swimming with a breast prosthesis, feel free to ask them in the comment section below.
Swimming is an excellent sport for persons who have had limbs amputated since it works the muscles and builds endurance without harming the sensitive tissues of the residual limb. Unfortunately, most below-knee prostheses do not allow you to immediately hop into a pool and start paddling. Instead, they are more like swim fins: They help you move forward but cannot support your body weight. Before jumping in the pool, we recommend that you take some time to learn how to use your new limb efficiently by practicing various strokes (freestyle, backstroke, butterfly), learning how to float, and getting used to the feeling of being in the water.
Overall, persons with amputations can participate in swimming if they follow certain guidelines. They should understand that the sport requires strength and endurance from their remaining muscle groups, so beginners might want to start out by joining a group class or taking lessons before trying out for a competitive team. Also, be sure to check with your physical therapist about any limitations you might encounter as you learn new movements and try different types of strokes. Last, remember that safety is paramount; if you feel uncomfortable in the water, you should get out immediately.
In conclusion, swimming is a great sport for persons who have had limbs removed since it uses the remaining muscles of the body instead of damaging the tissue of the residual limb.
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