Where do we turn when life doesn’t go as planned? Who are the people we look to when we need an ear, a shoulder, or a laugh? Most of the time it’s family, friends, co-workers – those we see on a regular basis.

When we need medical support, we turn to our doctors, nurses, and specialists. For traumatic or unplanned procedures and for congenital issues that continue to persist through the years, this category of support is considered the gold standard.

But often, as much as these resources in life want to help (and they do help), there’s something that seems to be missing from the support equation—they simply haven’t been through what you have. They will never quite know.

That’s why peer support groups exist. It’s a way to know you’re not alone in your journey. Someone quite literally can know exactly what you’ve felt or experienced.

Historically, there’s been a very little support for the finger and partial hand amputee population beyond the doctor’s office. We want to change that. That’s why we introduced an online support group, launched in February 2019.

Designed primarily as an amputee-to-amputee forum, the Facebook support group also serves as a place for caregivers, industry experts, and those pursuing a career in orthotics and prosthetics to share ideas and gain insight. It’s also proved to be a great place for medical professionals to share their expertise and offer solutions.

Since its launch, the group has offered unparalleled support to its members. Conversations around phantom pain, dealing with trauma, and prosthetic devices continue to flow, creating authentic connections and a true digital community. Dozens of new members join each month, each offering a unique, yet familiar point of view. All phases of the journey are honored—from jokes to fear, from challenges to triumphs—it’s all there.

Whether you prefer observing and “liking” or you want to post multiple times a day, we invite you to join this robust and caring support group.

For amputees and caregivers:

• Connect with others who know what you’re going through
• Participate in conversations where you can share your expertise
• Provide support based on your unique experiences
• Gain tips and tricks for comfort and care

“I searched for something similar after my accident without luck. Having the opportunity to help others in the same position is wonderful! I look forward to connecting with others.”– Jacqueline

“I’ve been an amputee for almost 30 years. Being able to have discussions with people who get it is a definite breath of fresh air. I also enjoy being able to add my two cents in order to give the newbies a little insight into the new path that their life has taken.” – Randy

For prosthetists and therapists:

• Encourage your patients to connect with their peers
• Inform family members and caregivers about this exclusive forum
• Participate in conversations where you can share your expertise
• Provide support based on your unique experiences with this population
• Gain insight to patient experiences and learn about valuable feedback

“I am an Occupational Therapist/Certified Hand Therapist. I joined to assist my patients in their journey as they recover from injury.”– Angela

“I’m an occupational therapy student working on a project with Hanger Clinic and hoping to gather data on people’s experiences. But I also want to get more of the client side so I can be a better practitioner in the future.” – Alicia

For more, visit npdevices.com, join the support group conversations, and follow NP on social media.

For any questions, help with sizing, fitting, in-services, or conference calls, please contact our Customer Experience Team. 

Downloadable information can be found on our Resources page.

Please keep in mind this initiative is not about sales, it’s about support. Members won’t see product advertisement or receive solicitations. The intent goes back to the heart of the company: caring for amputees who have traditionally been under-served.