At Syracuse Prosthetic Orthotic Center, we believe that the best patient outcomes begin with strong partnerships, and that care does not start after surgery but well before it.

Recently, our team had the opportunity to host an in-service with the physical and occupational therapy team at St. Joseph's Health, bringing together approximately 25 PTs and OTs along with three vascular physician assistants. It was an engaging and collaborative session focused on improving the continuum of care for individuals facing limb loss.

Strengthening the Continuum of Care

Early coordination plays a critical role in patient success. When prosthetic and orthotic providers are involved before or immediately after surgery, patients benefit from:

Better protection of the residual limb
More efficient recovery timelines
Increased confidence during the transition from hospital to home

During the session, we discussed how SPOC works alongside hospital teams to ensure a seamless experience from initial consultation through rehabilitation and beyond.

The Role of Post-Op Limb Protectors

One of the key topics was the use of post-operative limb protectors.

These devices are an essential part of early recovery. They are designed to:

Protect the residual limb immediately following surgery
Promote healing and reduce complications
Help prevent contractures and positioning issues

Our clinicians work directly with hospital teams to ensure proper application and fit, helping patients begin their recovery with the right support in place from day one.

Supporting the Whole Patient: Introducing EnMotion

Recovery from limb loss is not just physical. It is emotional, mental, and deeply personal.

That is why we introduced the EnMotion Support Group during our in-service. EnMotion is an Amputee Coalition of America registered support group that provides a welcoming space for individuals and families navigating limb loss.

This all-volunteer group meets monthly at Syracuse Prosthetic Orthotic Center and is open to anyone looking for connection, education, and support.

Through EnMotion, patients and caregivers have access to:

Peer support and mentorship from individuals who understand the journey firsthand
Educational opportunities, including guest speakers and discussions on topics related to limb loss and recovery
Caregiver resources to help families better support their loved ones
A certified and trusted network, recognized by the Amputee Coalition of America

Many of the therapists at St. Joseph’s were already familiar with members like the president, Ken, and expressed interest in expanding patient access to peer visitors. These connections allow individuals who are newly navigating limb loss to speak directly with someone who has been through a similar experience.

Meetings are held monthly, creating a consistent and supportive environment for sharing, learning, and building community. Whether someone is newly facing limb loss or further along in their journey, they are welcomed and supported.

You can learn more about EnMotion and upcoming meeting dates here:https://www.syracuseprosthetics.com/support-group-spoc

In-Hospital Orthotic Support and Expertise

A key part of the discussion focused on the orthotic devices available to patients during their hospital stay.

Rick, a valued member of the SPOC team, led this portion of the session, walking through available solutions, answering questions, and sharing insights from his extensive experience working directly with clinical teams.

What stood out most was the strength of the relationship. Rick has built a trusted connection with the St. Joseph’s team over time, and they regularly reach out to collaborate on patient care decisions. That level of communication is exactly what leads to better, more coordinated outcomes.

Meet Rick: Experience Rooted in Service

Rick brings both technical expertise and a deep commitment to community into his work at SPOC.

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Watson School of Engineering at SUNY Binghamton and has completed additional medical-based coursework at Onondaga Community College. His ability to combine engineering knowledge with patient-centered care allows him to approach each case with both precision and compassion.

Beyond his professional work, Rick has spent decades giving back, serving as Vice President of Phoenix Pop Warner, a 4-H leader for over 20 years, a member of the Phoenix School Board, and President of the Phoenix Chorus and Drama Boosters. He also founded and managed the Screamwood Forest fundraiser, supporting local initiatives and strengthening community connections.

That same commitment carries into his work with patients and clinical teams every day.

Moving Forward Together

This in-service was more than just an educational session. It was a reflection of what is possible when healthcare providers come together with a shared goal.

At SPOC, we are committed to:

Supporting patients from the earliest stages of care
Collaborating closely with therapists, physicians, and hospital teams
Providing both clinical expertise and human-centered support

If you are part of a healthcare team interested in coordinating care or learning more about our services, we welcome the opportunity to connect.

And for patients and families navigating limb loss, know that you are not alone. We are here to support you every step of the way.

Begin the Coordination of Care

If you have questions or would like to schedule a consultation, our team is here to help.

Together, we can create a path forward focused on healing, independence, and getting back to life.

Partnering for Better Outcomes: SPOC In-Service with St. Joseph’s Therapy Team