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MEET RYAN HURD
Living Beyond Limitation
By: Kathleen Hagemeier, Action Brace and Prosthetic, Inc.
By maintaining a positive outlook and finding a sport or activity that plays to a persons strengths, today's amputee can achieve physical fitness.
It is estimated that one out of every 200 people in the U.S. has had an amputation. Just as the causes of limb loss vary, the reaction to the challenges of relearning the tasks and activities of everyday life after the loss of a limb also vary. The degree of success that an amputee has with their prosthesis often depends on that person's attitudes and expectations. At Action Brace and Prosthetic, Inc., we often see people who not only survive the traumatic loss of a limb but who also go on to significant achievements. Ryan Hurd is one such person.
Ryan was only five years old when he lost his leg in a lawn mower accident. Wearing a prosthesis made running, playing and participating in most traditional sports more of a challenge. As Ryan became an adult, he needed additional exercise in order to stay trim and in shape. At the age of thirty, he decided to join a local gym. However, the choices of cardio equipment that Ryan could comfortably operate as an amputee was sparse, at best. As he puts it, “Have you ever seen a one-legged guy on an elliptical? I've tried it and it doesn't work well!” While it wasn't a method he especially enjoyed, Ryan regularly used a stationary bike, adding in time with the weights, to achieve his cardio workout. However, all that changed when he visited an out of town YMCA while staying with his in-laws. There Ryan discovered an old Concept 2 Model B indoor rowing machine. He knew instantly that it was a perfect match. It also became the launching pad for a new and exciting experience for Ryan.
On his return home, Ryan suggested to his local gym that they consider purchasing a rowing machine like the one he used while visiting his in-laws. A few months later, the rowing machine arrived. Ryan began faithfully working out on the machine, tracking his meters and times. During that period of time, Ryan's wife happened to notice an article in the paper about an indoor rowing competition sponsored by the Indianapolis Rowing Center (IRC). Ryan decided to attend. He was able to speak with several rowers as well as members of the Indianapolis Rowing Center. They encouraged him to enroll in a “Learn to Row” class in the spring and get on the water! He did just that and was instantly hooked. At the end of the class, Ryan joined the IRC Masters Team and has been practicing and competing with them ever since.
As he spent time rowing with the team, Ryan felt that he would benefit from a prosthesis that could accommodate the motion of competitive rowing better than the prosthesis he normally wore. He worked with his prosthetist at Action Brace and Prosthetic, in order to develop a prosthesis with the features he required. Ryan's rowing prosthesis was constructed with an “Active Ankle” component that allows the joint to flex back and forth while his foot is strapped into the foot binding. The knee is designed to bend nearly all the way back in order to allow him to travel along the rolling seat. Additional adjustments were made to allow for a greater range of motion.
Ryan has found that his participation with the Indianapolis Rowing Center's Masters team has benefited him in ways beyond physical fitness. He has enjoyed being part of a diverse group of people that come together as a team to achieve a common goal. Personally, rowing gives Ryan a chance to clear his mind and think of nothing but rowing. Ryan describes his experience by saying, “The rest of life's problems or stresses are left at the dock. It's a great therapeutic and physical release.”
Helen Keller once said, “The marvelous richness of human experience would lose something of rewarding joy if there were no limitations to overcome.” Ryan Hurd has indeed overcome his limitations rather than be restricted by them. We believe that all amputees have the potential to achieve their goals. Hopefully, Ryan's story will be an inspiration to all those who are ready to take the next step!
For more information on The Indianapolis Rowing Center visit indyrowing.org
To follow Ryan Hurd's blog go to http://adapt2row.wordpress.com/
A Word From the Clinician
In order to best serve the needs of an amputee, the prosthetist must assess the unique condition of the residual limb in the context of the physical demands of the amputee's daily life. Residual limb length, integrity of the skin, and the presence of scar tissue are just a few of the factors that the prosthetist must take into account when making the prosthesis.
In Ryan's situation, we needed to find a way to ensure that the prosthesis could be effectively suspended on a shorter residual limb during the rigorous physical demands of Ryan's life. Ryan would also require a knee joint that could function well at the different angles and speeds that he would be moving.
To address the issue of maintaining a suspension on Ryan's residual limb, we chose a pin-locking liner. This system promotes the adherence of the gel liner to the wearers skin. The system includes a pin that extends into the prosthesis, allowing the liner and prosthesis to be “locked” together, thereby minimizing the migration of the prosthesis. The end result is a prosthesis that feels lighter and is easier to control.
Ensuring that Ryan's knee could accommodate the significant challenges of his physically strenuous career and recreational activities was critical. We chose a microprocessor knee for Ryan. This system has the ability to calculate and anticipate each next step. This allows for smooth ambulation on surfaces ranging from a level sidewalk to uneven ground, inclines, and even stairs.
The combination of the physical demands of Ryan's career and his athletic lifestyle created a unique need for the highest level of control and stability. We met these needs with a combination of a gel locking liner and a microprocessor knee. As a result, Ryan is able to meet the demands of his life and enjoy his favorite activities without limitation.