At Thompsons Solicitors, we do more than just legal representation. We connect you with a network of support services, including medical professionals and rehabilitation experts, to assist in your recovery journey. Our collaboration with leading charities and support groups ensures access to the best care and resources.
Meet the experts:
Toby Carlsson, Dorset Orthopaedic
Dorset Orthopaedic is one of the UK’s leading providers of private prosthetic and orthotic rehabilitation that is dedicated to supporting patients in enhancing their overall quality of life.
We recently met with specialist prosthetist Toby Carlsson to talk more about the work that they do.
Q: Can you tell us a bit more about how you support patients who have undergone an amputation?
A: “Our focus is very much on prosthetic rehabilitation. That means designing and fitting prosthetics to the correct specification, but also providing access to other medical experts and therapists who can help our patients with their ongoing recovery and rehabilitation.
“Our physiotherapists work very closely with our patients to teach them how to use the new prosthesis safely and efficiently, so that they can be as independent as possible.
“We also bring in occupational therapists, pain management experts and psychologists who can all help with what is, inevitably, a huge adjustment for both the patient and their family.”
Q: What key advancements have you seen in the prosthetics industry in recent years?
A: “There is continuous development in microprocessor-controlled components that makes prosthetic use more and more safe and intuitive. Also, historically there has not been much available for partial hand and digit amputations, even though those amputations are by far the most common.
“There have been real advancements in with functional prostheses for these levels of amputations in recent years. Body-powered partial finger prostheses controlled by the nearest remaining joint are very intuitive to use. They were a complete gamechanger when they arrived on the scene.
“While a lot of partial hand and digit amputations may look very similar, underneath the surface they may be quite different. Scarring or joint stiffness caused by the original trauma can have a real impact on what is possible to achieve with a prosthesis.
“A careful individual assessment is therefore a must in order to determine the best options. As these products continue to develop, the outcome for our clients can also improve.”
Q: “What advice would you give to anyone at the start of their rehabilitation journey?
A: “Don’t panic, seek advice, surround yourself with people that you trust and that have your best interests at heart - that includes family and friends, but also clinical teams and legal representatives.
“Once you have the right team around you, trust them to do their jobs and to help you with your rehabilitation. The road ahead may be long, but things will get better.”