318 Mt. Rushmore Road, Suite E
Rapid City, South Dakota

1-800-761-5437 • 1-605-342-7004
Or use our Contact Us form

Heather E Dressler B.S., CP

Certified Prosthetist

Education:
• B.S. Child Development & Family Science, North Dakota State University, Fargo ND
• Prosthetic Technician Degree | Prosthetic Practitioner Degree, Century College, White Bear Lake MN

Certifications:
• ABC Board Certified Prosthetic Practitioner
• Ottobock Certification in C-leg Microprocessor Knee and MyoBock Arm Courses
• Ohio Willow Wood Certification in Limb Logic Vacuum Suspension System, Prosthetic Suspension Liners and Omega Digital Tracer Technology
• Ossur Certification in Rheo Microprocessor Knee Course

Prosthetic Memberships:
• AAOP
• ACA
• ABC
• OPGA

Special Interests & Community Involvement:
• Ski for Light Guide/Volunteer
• Big Brother/Big Sister Program
• Reason for becoming a CP - Growing up with a father that is a very active amputee she saw how important having a practitioner that was willing to take the extra time to listen to what he needed, and what he wanted to accomplish and how that makes all the difference in the world.

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We supply a full line of prosthetic services, including:

• Assessment/evaluation
• Fabrication
• Fitting
• Education of clients, families, and nursing or therapy staff

A prosthesis is an artificial replacement for a limb or part of a limb that is missing. A prosthesis can be as simple as a replacement for just the tip of the index finger, or as complex as an above-the-knee prosthesis with computerized hydraulic knee joint and carbon fiber dynamic response foot.

I need adjustments to my prosthesis that was made by another prosthetist. Can I still come to WestMed Rehab?

All prosthetic WestMed Rehab services are provided under a physician's order. If you already have a physician following your prosthetic care, you may drop off the order for adjustments, repairs or replacements or fax it to us at 605-342-7032.

An amputation is the surgical removal of an appendage or limb.

The majority of amputations occur as a result of disease, with diabetes and cardiovascular disease accounting for the greatest percentage (nearly 75%). Almost 25% of amputations are the result of a traumatic accident.

Prosthesis is a man-made device to replace a missing body part such as an amputated limb or a limb missing from birth (congenital), or to supplement defective body parts. It is custom fit to each individual, taking several factors into consideration, such as health, lifestyle, age and weight.

Prosthesis is part of the field of boimechanics, the science of fusing mechanical devices with human muscle, skeleton, and nervous systems to assist or enhance motor control lost by trauma, disease, or defect.

In addition to the standard artificial limb for every-day use, many amputees have special limbs and devices to aid in the participation of sports and recreational activities.

A prosthetist is an allied health professional specifically trained and educated to provide or manage a custom-designed, fabricated, modified and fitted external limb prosthesis - this is based on a clinical assessment and a physician's prescription, to restore physiological function and/or Cosmesis.

Once the limb has healed enough, design and fabrication may begin on a prosthesis. The first prosthesis is called an early-fitting or temporary prosthesis. Many modifications will be made from this and most often, it will not look like a "finished" product. Once the limb has sufficiently reduced in size and it is no longer possible to make adjustments to the early fitting prosthesis, the permanent prosthesis will be made. This will be more functional, lighter, and cosmetically finished, utilizing a protective outer coating.

It will take time for you to adjust to your amputation and you may experience feelings of anger, sadness or discouragement. These feelings are a normal part of the grieving process and you should not feel ashamed about having them - however, do not hesitate to talk to your WestMed prosthetist.

A long-term exercise program is essential in maximizing the functional outcome of the client. WestMed has a trained rehabilitation specialist on staff to answer any questions regarding physical therapy and to assist in designing an appropriate rehabilitation program in conjunction with your physical therapist.

If getting back to doing the things you love is important to you, then regular physical therapy will be a key element in reaching that goal.

It is important to keep both the skin and the inside of the prosthetic socket clean. Wash the limb daily with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free soap. Any fragrance on the skin can cause a reaction when the limb is enclosed in the prosthetic socket. The inside of the socket or liner should be wiped daily with warm water and a soapy cloth.

There are many factors to consider.

First, the amputee should be seen by a physical therapist to make sure there are no flexion contractures developing in the hip or knee joints. It is also important to do general strengthening. In addition, some residual limb conditioning should be in use.

A preferred method is a removable rigid dressing which is a cast molded over socks on the residual limb to gradually induce pressure. This will help to reduce swelling in the wound and allow the residual limb to become accustomed to some pressure. This casted mold can be removed and the pressure increased by adding socks, which are worn over the residual limb. This dressing also helps to protect the wound.

Once this is removed a special sock called a "shrinker" or "compression sock" should be worn day and night until prosthesis is made.

Only a qualified physician can prescribe treatment such as beta-blockers, anticonvulsants, neuroleptics, antidepressants, and benzodiazaepines - these have been some what successful. It is not uncommon, however, that once someone is able to start walking with a prosthesis, the sensations lessen.

Speak with your prosthetist or physician for assistance with phantom sensations.

Yes, your residual limb will shrink as the swelling goes down. There are various methods for reducing swelling, such as wrapping the limb, wearing appropriate compression dressings, and exercising it.

Changes will also occur as your body changes with age and activity. These changes will need to be addressed by your physician and prosthetist so you receive the best-fitting prosthesis possible in all stages of your life.

The number of adaptations will depend on the type of amputation. For example, for lower limb amputations, adaptations will likely have to be made in the bathroom. A shower chair, grab rails, and detachable shower-head are most helpful when showering.

Yes, there are amputees involved in just about every sport - from skiing to swimming. Most amputees who have participated in sports prior to their amputations can continue to do so. Several sports have organized programs for amputees at the competitive level. Your prosthetist may be able to make a special prosthesis for the sport you're interested in.

Back Braces:
A back brace is a device designed to limit the motion of the spine in cases of fracture or in post-operative fusions. Limiting the motion of the spine enhances the healing process and minimizes the patient's discomfort. We have custom made TLSOs (Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthotic), LSOs (Lumbar Sacral Orthotic), Cyber Corsets, and much more. Our certified Prosthetist will measure and fit your back brace based on your individual needs and your prescription.

Diabetic Shoes:
Diabetic shoes, sometimes referred to as extra depth or therapeutic shoes, are specially designed shoes or inserts intended to reduce the risk of skin breakdown in diabetics with foot disease. People with decreased feeling in their feet may have a false sense of security as to how much at risk their feet actually are. The primary goal of therapeutic footwear is to prevent complications, such as: strain, ulcers, calluses, or even amputations for patients with diabetes and poor circulation. We measure and fit for diabetic shoes in house. We also take impressions and mold feet for custom inserts.

Cam Walkers:
A CAM Walker is a walking boot that limits the movement of the ankle and or foot. An adjustable ankle joint can be set to restrict movement or allow a set amount of movement. These are useful in the healing of fractures and sprains. We carry all sizes in stock and instruct on their use in house.

Knee Braces:
Knee braces are supports that you wear for a painful or injured knee. Some people use them to prevent knee injuries during sports. Braces are made from combinations of metal, foam, plastic, elastic material and straps. They come in many sizes, colors and designs. We measure and fit knee braces based on your individual needs.